Health Update
CANINE INFLUENZA: STOP IT NOW!
- Catherine D. L. Newsom
A new flu has developed in dogs. It is can be quite virulent. The incubation period is 2-5 days. What can we do about it to stop its spread?
The AKC has been advising its field representatives to speak with judges at each show. Judges are using impregnated handi-wipes between the examination of dogs. Some judges are asking the handlers to show the bites. Judges are quite sensitive to this problem and are reducing the transmission of the flu in the show ring.
Show dog owners and handlers must do their parts as well. Dogs not entered at shows should be left home. Where possible, have the dog eliminate at home. Then the dog does not require x-penning or walking around the show. While at the show, do not keep communal water buckets. Each dog should have its own bucket. Each bucket should be washed every day. Each dog should have its own food dish which also should be washed everyday. At shows, water buckets should not be left out for a thirsty dog to use. This is basic hygiene.
At shows, dogs usually are restricted from interaction. This practice should be firmed up by owners and handlers. Spectators should be cautioned about the transmission from dog to dog. Some children try to pet as many dogs as possible.
It is up to the handlers and the owners as well as the judges to reduce the risk of transmission of Canine Influenza.
At home, breeders should keep individual water buckets and food dishes. Visiting dogs should be isolated in the kennel and in a visitor pen. Breeders with puppies should change their clothes when coming from a show to the kennel. These are all things that we do anyway. Perhaps breeders with puppies should not go at all for this season.
Breeders should be calling their puppy owners. Many pet owners know nothing about this flu. Some puppy buyers have asked me why did I send them a note about this when they do not show! And so, I explained.
This is the reason why people buy from breeders. So, that we inform them of these avoidable disasters.
It is in all of our power to educate. Tell your friends to restrict their dogs interactions. Tell your friends to avoid patting that cute dog. They may be transmitting the flu to the next dog. If all dog owners restricted their dogs from interacting with other dogs for this fall season, we could reduce the impact of this flu SIGNIFICANTLY!!
This flu can be under our control. Unlike human flu, where viral transmission is rampant at schools, workplaces, places of transportation, canine flu is transmittable at the dog-friendly parks and through the traveling dog. If a pet owner insists on allowing the dog to socialize, then tell him/her to limit the socialization to a few dogs whose owners agree. This is not forever. It is just for the fall season. By stalling the spread of infection now, we will be lessening the probability of an epidemic later this winter. Make this your Fall project. Halt the possibility of a Canine Influenza Epidemic.
- Catherine D. L. Newsom is a past president of Sussex Hills Kennel Club, as well as a past president of Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Watchung, and a past president of Dalmatian Club of Greater New York.