A new strain of canine influenza, or dog flu, is spreading throughout the United States after its initial outbreak in Chicago. It's been reported in 30 states, including western Pennsylvania.

It's highly contagious, and since it's still an emerging disease, all dogs are susceptible to infection and have no immunity. Commonly used dog vaccines protect against the H3N8 strain; the new strain is H3N2. All dogs exposed to the virus become infected, and 80 percent show clinical signs of the disease, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, which has sent information about the disease to boarding kennel and animal shelter operators, veterinarians and groomers across the country."It's a new thing and so it causes panic," said Dr. Ron Bernhard of Ringtown Valley Veterinary Hospital in Ringtown. "The vaccine that we have is for a different strain, so just like with our own (human) influenza, there's no cross-protection."Bernhard said that since the virus is spread by direct contact with respiratory secretions from infected dogs, pet owners should try to see that their dog avoids face-to-face contact with other dogs."The worst states for the outbreak are Illinois and Wisconsin, but often when you're traveling you may encounter another dog owner and you don't know where that dog's been," he said. "So just take a pro-active approach and avoid the contact."Dr. Lori Milot of Rush Veterinary Clinic in Hometown agreed."The best way to prevent it is to avoid areas such as dog parks to limit contact with other dogs," Milot said. "Clinic signs range from mild fever and malaise to severe, life-threatening pneumonia, with most having signs typical of kennel cough. The best advice is that if you notice these signs in your dog, have the dog checked sooner rather than later."Karen Tracy, who runs Pazzazz Kennel in Lehighton said that although the particular strain of canine influenza doesn't seem to be in the area, dog owners should use common sense."When you go to a boarding kennel or to the veterinarian, you'll have other dog owners who say how friendly their dog is, and it wants to meet your dog," Tracy said. "But particularly when you're at the vet, you don't know what that other dog is there for, and you shouldn't let dogs contact one another."Tracy said her boarding kennel customers' dogs must have the current canine influenza vaccine, which protects against what's commonly called "kennel cough" and be up to date on all their other vaccinations. If a dog isn't current on vaccinations, she will not accept it for boarding."The vaccine doesn't cover the new strain, but hopefully the vaccine companies will come out with something soon," Tracy said. "In the meantime, if you think your dog is sick, you should get to a vet."Phyllis Potter of Sarlan Kennels in Wind Gap said she continues routine infection control precautions. The canine influenza virus is killed by disinfectants, which any facility that boards or cares for animals should already be using, she said."I always tell people that if they are going to board their dog, they should visit the facility before the planned stay and make sure that it meets your expectations," Potter said. "Dogs should be kept in individual inside and outside runs, and not allowed to be in contact with each other."Most dogs infected with the canine influenza virus have the mild form, with a soft, moist cough that lasts for 10 to 30 days. They may also be lethargic and have a reduced appetite and fever, along with sneezing and a discharge from the eyes and nose.Maggie Alonge, owner of Pampered Pets Dog Grooming in Tamaqua, said influenza is "highly contagious" in dogs."I haven't seen any dogs with symptoms," she said. "If I was going to board a dog, I would advise people to check out the boarding kennels and talk to people who have been there."In a more severe form, dogs have a high fever and may have clinical signs of pneumonia due to a secondary bacterial infection. The course of treatment depends on the dog's condition, and may include antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.There's no quick test for a specific diagnosis; nasal or throat swabs from ill dogs must be sent to a diagnostic laboratory for testing, such as Cornell University, Bernard said."Take precautions with dog-to-dog contact," he said. "If your dog exhibits signs of illness, it should be seen by your veterinarian."