Dog Adoption Fees Waived at the Humane Rescue through August 13
This week, four dogs in our care tested positive for canine influenza. It is a treatable illness with a good prognosis for recovery, but the best way to minimize the spread and ensure the well-being of the dogs in our care and in our community is to quarantine all our dogs for four weeks.
We need your help to manage this treatable illness, and we want to make sure you have all the information you need to keep your resident pets and our community safe.
What is canine influenza?
Canine influenza is a very contagious respiratory disease.
Canine influenza is a treatable disease with a good prognosis for recovery.
Many dogs do not have immunity to canine influenza and are vulnerable to infection.
Symptoms include the following:
Coughing
Nasal discharge
Fever
Sneezing
Lethargy
Reduced appetite
Eye discharge
Symptoms are typically mild to moderate and last two to three weeks. Some dogs may develop secondary infections leading to more severe illness or pneumonia, but it is not common.
How is canine influenza spread?
Dog-to-dog contact is the most common way the virus spreads. It is passed through respiratory droplets (coughing or sneezing) and through contact with contaminated surfaces. Canine Influenza may live on surfaces for 24 to 48 hours.
How can I safely adopt or foster a dog who may have been exposed to canine influenza?
If you adopt or foster a dog from one of our shelters this month, it is possible they will have been exposed to the virus. But you can absolutely welcome them into your home safely.
We do not recommend adopting or fostering from our shelters this month if you have resident dogs, cats, ferrets, or guinea pigs.
Avoid dog parks, boarding facilities, doggy daycare, or any places with other dogs for 28 days.