Over The Counter Medicine for Dog

There has been lots of news lately about a newly discovered virus, called dog flu, which has killed dogs in at least seven states. I went to get some over the counter medicine for the dog flu but found out that not only is there no medicine specifically for the dog flu but also many veterinarian and pet owners are worried because there is no vaccine available and dogs do not have immunity to this new virus. Now scientists are watching this virus spread across the east coast.

This canine flu was first discovered in racing greyhounds in Florida in 2004. In what scientists call a "very rare event" this virus has jumped from horses to dogs. Equine influenza virus (horse flu) has been in horses for nearly 50 years. Now it appears that due to the close contact between horses and greyhounds at racing tracks that this virus has jumped species. Dr. Crawford at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, started investigating an outbreak of acute respiratory disease among racing greyhounds in the state in 2004. Using genetic analysis she was able to determine it was similar to equine influenza virus. The virus is too new for any dogs to have developed immunity to it, so pet owners should watch their dogs carefully for any symptoms. "The concern is that the dog population on the North American continent is wholly 100 percent susceptible," Crawford said. There is no test currently that veterinarians can use to accurately detect the flu in dogs. So take a common sense approach to protecting your dog, especially if they are young or old. Also ask your veterinarian if there have been any cases reported in your area. Also you can check out the Centers for Disease Control website for the latest on dog flu and its spread or other pertinent information.