It appears it is not just humans who are being struck down with flu, as a Raynes Park vet warns of an increase in the number of cases of kennel cough – the flu equivalent for dogs.
Tim Newton, Park Veterinary Practice vet, said kennel cough cases had risen three-fold since last year and there have been 11 cases in dogs using Cannon Hill Common in the last few weeks alone.
Dogs can remain infectious to other dogs for as long as three months after their cough has cleared up, Mr Newman said, adding symptoms were similar to human flu, including running a temperature and a loss of appetite.
He said: “It’s a highly contagious disease of the respiratory system and affects dogs of all ages but puppies and elderly dogs are particularly susceptible.
"Our head nurse’s dog is just recovering from a bad bout.
"She had to stay on a lead for several weeks and be kept away from the park to prevent her passing it on to other dogs.”
Dogs in boarding kennels are particularly vulnerable as they are in close confinement to one another.
A vaccine, which is available at the surgery, is delivered by drops up the nose and can be given together with the annual booster injections.
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