Sep 29, 2005 8:35 am US/Mountain
Kennel Cough In Local Shelters Is Not Dog Flu
by Jodi Brooks
DENVER (CBS4) ―
Colorado's veterinary experts said Wednesday the potentially deadly dog flu found in several parts of the country is not here. They don't want pet owners confusing the dog flu with kennel cough which is spreading through several local animal shelters.
The Denver Dumb Friends' League, the Colorado Humane Society and the MaxFund all said they have dogs with kennel cough. The MaxFund is closing Thursday because of the illness. The no-kill shelter won't open again until Oct. 8.
"I just want everybody to really not over react," Nancie Suro, MaxFund's director said.
Experts tell CBS4 kennel cough spreads when dogs are housed together. People can also transfer the disease by petting one dog and then another.
"We're closed for protection of the public and also for our animals here," Suro said. "We want our animals to get well and when you're adopting a pet from us we want it to be a healthy pet."
Kennel cough symptoms are some of the symptoms of the potentially deadly dog flu. The similar symptoms include a runny nose, no appetite and high fever.
"We have not been able to find any evidence of this canine influenza virus being present in Colorado," Dr. Keith Roehr, Colorado's assistant state veterinarian said.
Kennel cough takes 7 to 10 days to run its course.
The MaxFund will be sanitized while it's closed for 10 days. All of its air ducts will be cleaned and the air filters will be changed. The shelter said Wednesday its dogs will be ready for adoption a week from Saturday.
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