First seen in greyhounds in 2004 in Florida, the canine flu has been steadily moving up the East Coast and the Philadelphia area has become a hotspot.
"This virus is very hearty in the environment and lasts for up to 24 hours so even just walking down the street you can pick it up on your clothes and bring it home."
Dogs that are infected are highly contagious to other dogs, but not to humans or other animals. And since the virus is relatively new in the canine population, they don't have a natural immunity to it.
Last June a deadly outbreak of the flu forced two local animal shelters to put dog adoptions on hold for a couple of weeks. All dogs regardless of age, breed or health status are susceptible to infection. But some dogs have a higher risk factor.
"The breed of dog with a smooshed face is more susceptible because they don't have a natural filter in their nose."
The signs are persistent coughing, lack of energy, loss of appetite, nasal discharge, and a low grade fever and even though the flu season for humans is winding down that's not the case for dogs.
"For canine flu it is endemic all year round it doesn't follow the same human cycle."
That means protection is key.
The canine flu vaccine is 2 shots given 2 to 4 weeks apart and averages about 30-dollars a dose.
Joy Segal isn't taking any chances.
"My dogs walk all over the city with me. They meet a lot of other dogs so it's the safety thing to do I think like myself is to have them inoculated."
Again dogs that are around others dogs are at the highest risk of catching the flu. Daycares, training classes, dog parks, groomers and kennels are all affected.
For more information:
Society Hill Veterinary Hospital
USDA approves canine flu vaccine
Canine Influenza
Key Facts about Canine Influenza
