HOUSTON – If your dog visits a doggie day care, is boarded at a facility or even goes to a dog park, you'll want to know that there is a new strain of the dog flu and it could affect your pet.
The new flu is classified as H3N2. It has only been around for about nine months but officials said it is spreading rapidly.
"There have been cases in 25 states, including Texas. A few months ago there was a case in Baytown," Monica Schmidt of the Houston Humane Society said.
HHS is now stocked up on the canine flu vaccine. Much like a common cold or flu virus in humans, canine influenza viruses are most commonly spread through direct dog contact.
"If they meet on the sidewalk and touch noses, they share water bowls, sharing toys, something as innocuous as playing with the same tennis ball could put your dog at risk," Schmidt said.
Most unvaccinated dogs who are exposed to the virus will become infected.
"If you pet is lethargic, running a low-grade fever, a persistent cough that doesn't go away, those symptoms can escalate and if left untreated can turn into pneumonia, so in some cases we are looking at life-threatening illness," Schmidt said.
The Houston Humane Society's clinic is open seven days a week and you can get that vaccine for only $18.