A new strain of dog flu is expected to hit this year throughout Ohio.
The outbreak is already hitting hard in the Toledo area and is expected to spread.
Veterinarians there are seeing an increase in dogs with influenza in just the past few weeks.
There are so many cases, several dog daycares had to shut down to disinfect.
The dog flu can turn into a more serious case of pneumonia.
Symptoms include a cough, high fever, lack of appetite and lethargy.
Vets at the West Park Animal Hospital in Cleveland say the best way to prevent the flu in your dog is to have it vaccinated.
Dr. Borys Pakush says the flu can be lethal in elderly dogs or dogs with other health issues.
“It’s a very contagious virus that’s working its way around the country, but as long as those pets are doing well, even if they’re coughing, the flu itself is self-limiting, it will go away," he said. "Takes about a month or so to run its course and in the meantime, you have to provide support."
Dog flu can spread from dog to dog, but not to humans.
