Even Lucky Dogs Have It Ruff

How To Survive The Canine Flu

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We are learning more about reports of a canine influenza virus in Detroit Lakes.

Lucky Dog Boarding in Detroit Lakes closed in April for three weeks when there was an outbreak of the dog flu.

KVRR visited the kennel and tells us how they plan to keep their dogs healthy.

They bark and play now…but weeks ago these dogs battled the canine flu.

Lucky Dog was able to detect the culprit…a dog they took in originally from Chicago.

Linda Wiedewitsch says, “When it was here for the daycare, it was healthy. It was vaccinated. All of its vaccinations were up to date but the weekend of Easter that dog became sick at home and the owner called and says “I planned on bringing him for daycare the following week but I’m not going to. He’s got a cough.”

Doctors say dogs are contagious days prior to showing symptoms like coughing, fever and nasal discharge.

Lucky Dog put those dogs on quarantine.

The Lucky Dog Boarding Owner says, “We established a sick bay and we put all of the sick dogs in the sick bay and we had an employee that worked just with those dogs. When that employee entered the room they put on rubber boots. They put on cover-alls. Anything that went in that room stayed in that room or got bagged up and went directly to the garbage.”

Dr. Samantha Zehr says there are vaccinations for the Dog Flu but not for this new strain.

She recommends supportive care.

The Detroit Lakes Animal Hospital Associate Veterinarian says, “Just got to weigh it out. Just kind of keeping them as comfortable as possible while the disease ran its course and as long as they can keep their dog comfortable at home I’d say just keep them at home. Limit contact with other dogs.”

These three dogs once had the dog flu and have since fully recovered.

Wiedewitsch says there is nothing to be worried about.

Wiedewitsch adds, “I run a kennel. I want to run a quality operation.”   ?

Helping to keep your furry friends safe and healthy.

Wiedewitsch says very young dogs and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk for catching dog flu.

Lucky Dog Boarding now asks owners about their pet’s travel history.

***During the newscast, KVRR Reporter Natalie Parsons was holding a 10-week old Boxer mix named Juno who is currently available for adoption at the Lucky Dog Boarding & Training Center.