WINTER PARK, Fla. — Central Florida veterinarians are raising concerns to prevent a dog flu outbreak from spreading in local neighborhoods.
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It’s something many pet owners don’t even think about, but it can happen.
There isn’t anything Brittany Zepf wouldn’t do for her dog Ruka.
“I don’t think we would ever not have a pet,” Zepf said. “He’s just another light in our life.”
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She makes sure Ruka gets more than enough exercise, healthy meals and vaccines.
So she wasn’t worried when we told her about the canine flu in Central Florida.
“I feel like it’s something we notice once or twice a year like the human flu,” Zepf said.
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Dr. Lisa Taylor is the lead veterinarian at VCA East Colonial Hospital.
“People don’t need to worry, but it is very contagious dog to dog,” Taylor said.
The main symptoms are a cough, runny nose and fever.
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Canine flu spreads through respiratory droplets produced during coughing and sneezing from infected dogs, or through contact with contaminated surfaces.
Doggie hotels, groomers, and dog parks can be hot spots for the virus.
Local veterinarians said there is more than enough vaccine to go around.
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