Q: My dog’s annual physical is coming up soon, and my veterinarian is sure to recommend the flu shot, which I’ve declined in the past. I’m rethinking that after a friend’s dog came down with the disease. Please tell me about dog flu.
A: Dog flu, formally known as canine influenza, was first recognized in the U.S. in 2004. It is caused by two strains of the influenza A virus: H3N8 and the more common H3N2.
Canine influenza is extremely contagious among dogs. Risk is highest where dogs congregate, such as doggy day care facilities, dog parks, grooming parlors, training classes, dog shows and boarding kennels….