Veterinarians across Los Angeles County have reported an uptick in dogs contracting canine influenza, or "dog flu." Dozens of cases have been confirmed, with hundreds more suspected.
A telling symptom of dog flue is a loud and debilitating cough, vets have warned. One told NBC 4 the cough can be so bad it "will keep everyone in the house awake at night."
"It sounded like he was gasping for air and could hardly breathe," Brian Lacher, the owner of a dog with a confirmed case of flu, told NBC 4. "It was so scary to see him like that."
The virus is most often treatable with medication, vets advised. But the condition could be serious for some. Dog owners are encouraged to monitor their pets for "sniffling or sneezing" or "coughing that starts to progress over a couple of days," Dr. Julio Lopez of Encino Veterinary Center told NBC 4.
A vaccine is available for concerned owners.
"The dog flu vaccine is a great idea for any pets that are very social," said Lopez, such as pets that frequent some of L.A. County's popular dog parks.
"If there's a way for this to prevent your animal from getting sick or anyone else's please, consider the vaccine," Lacher said. "Do yourself a favor, and do everyone else one too."
