I have just read a slightly worrying article in an american dog mag, saying that there is now a canine influenza strain in the US. Only discovered last year it is now in at least 11 states. Most dogs have no immunity to it, although it is thought that up to 20% of those infected may not show any signs of it. Current estimates are that it is fatal in about 5 to 8% of cases. Unlike kennel cough influenza makes a dog really sick. They are lethargic, have a fever, sneezing, runny noes and they dont want to eat of drink. It has an incubation period of between 2 and 5 days and dogs may still be contagious for up to 14 days. Researchers are working on a vaccine so it may not be long before dogs get anual flu jabs too. 

With an increasing number of dogs leading a jetset life style, I guess it is only a matter of time before we have it over here so keep your eyes peeled!