Outbreak of highly contagious dog flu hits Texas

Pet parents beware, the canine influenza virus (CIV), or dog flu that first spread through Florida and Georgia earlier in 2017 has made its way to Texas.

The Texas A&M Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) has confirmed a positive diagnosis in two dogs for the H3N2 strain of the virus.

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According to the TVMDL article, the symptoms include lethargy, high fever, loss of appetite, cough and nasal discharge. Most infected dogs will just have a persistent cough that won't go away despite being treated with medication.

"Virtually all dogs exposed become infected with the virus, but only 80 percent develop clinical signs," read the TVMDL website. "The approximately 20 percent of infected dogs that do not exhibit clinical signs can still shed the virus and spread the infection. Virus is spread from dog to dog, but droplets also contaminate food bowls and other surfaces increasing the risk for infection."

Veterinarians recommend that dogs in areas where the virus is active should avoid places like dog parks, grooming salons, day care and other places where dogs typically congregate.

Luckily, there are vaccines available for the H3N2 strain as well as another dog flu strain — H3N8 — and there is no evidence showing the virus can be transferred to humans.

If your dog is showing these symptoms or any of the behaviors confirmed by the TVMDL contact you pet's vet to get ittested.

Take a look through the gallery above to see which pet breeds come with the biggest medical expenses.