Dog flu spreading through California and Northern Nevada

Yes, dogs can get the flu.

With dozens of reported cases of dogs with influenza throughout Northern California over the last few weeks, it appears two strains of the nasty bug may be getting closer to Lake Tahoe.

One Reno veterinarian says even though they've had just 10 confirmed cases of dog flu in Washoe County, he believes there has likely been 100 cases. Some dog owners don't get their dogs tested for flu due to costs, but Dr. Rick Furman said many of the sick dogs seen in his office have they symptoms.

Good news is that canine fatalities from influenza are uncommon, according to Furman.

Alpine Animal Hospital in South Lake Tahoe set out a letter to dog owners Thursday, recommending they get their dog a flu vaccine. They received doses of the Bivalent Canine Influenza vaccine and are prepared to serve the dogs of Lake Tahoe.

"We are trying to spread the word so that people are not caught off guard when we start seeing Canine Influenza here in Tahoe. There have been confirmed cases of Canine Influenza (Dog Flu) in the Bay Area, Sacramento, as well as multiple cases in the Reno," said the email from Alpine Animal Hospital.

Dog flu is spread very easily, through soft surfaces such as clothing, leashes and collars, as well as hard surfaces such as chairs and exam rooms.

The staff at the animal hospital won't let dogs come into their office if they think the dog has the flu. They will examine the dog outside in the car. Since the flu is so easily spread they don't want healthy dogs to mix with sick dogs, and they'd have to constantly disinfect every bit of the office and was their clothes between pets in order to keep dogs healthy, according to staff.

In Reno and larger cities, veterinarians are setting up outside clinics to treat dogs.

If you dog hangs out at the dog park, dog shows, with dogs that are traveling or play with other groups of dogs, the $25 vaccine is recommended. The virus can stay alive and contagious on surfaces for up to 48 hours, so even if your dog has no direct contact with other dogs frequenting places dogs have been might allow infection. The virus is also airborne and can infect at a distance of 20 feet.

80 percent of all dogs that are exposed to the virus will contract it.

Dogs that are boarded at Alpine have to have a vaccine before they can stay to protect their furry guests.

Symptoms: Cough, sneezing, runny nose, nasal discharge, loss of appetite, lethargy, fever.

A veterinarian will treat a dog with antibiotics if there's a secondary infection or pneumonia, or may prescribe steroids for fever, swelling or pain. For most dogs the symptoms will go away in 10-30 days. Keep your dog hydrated and feed him a healthy diet, let him rest and keep him warm and comfortable.