Vet warns of infectious dog flu outbreak

— The Grimsby veterinary community is expressing concern after treating dogs they suspect were infected with a highly infectious dog flu.

Dr. Michelle Cline of Grimsby Animal Hospital says a number of dogs have been showing symptoms of canine flu since mid-December, though the infection has not been officially confirmed.

Cline and Kevin Strooband of the Lincoln County Humane Society, the animal services provider for Grimsby, have been raising awareness about the possible presence of Canine Influenza A, fearing if it goes undetected or untreated, it can lead to deaths.

“We don’t want to cause any panic — these are suspected cases, but we are pretty certain that’s what we’re seeing,” said Cline. She said the flu is not contagious to people.

This week, the first two confirmed cases of canine influenza in Canada were identified by the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit. The unit said the dogs were brought to Canada from South Korea through the United States late last month and were showing signs of respiratory disease during a veterinary exam the next day.

The flu is highly contagious and contractable from dog to dog through saliva and bodily fluids. Several of the suspected cases, said Cline, were reported after dogs interacted in Grimsby dog parks.

Distinguishing the canine flu can be difficult, said Cline.

“This one produces a fever, they are feeling unwell and will begin coughing, sneezing, have a runny nose and start to feel listless. If it progresses they can be very lethargic, have trouble breathing and, unfortunately, untreated it can be fatal,” she said, also noting the dogs can be contagious with the infection before the symptoms begin.

One suspected case has been fatal, Cline said.