Flu is afflicting dogs in Utah

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is warning dog owners in the Salt Lake Valley to look for symptoms of canine influenza in their pets.

The potentially fatal disease was discovered in a commercial kennel in Salt Lake City this week after its owner noticed a dog exhibiting symptoms and alerted his veterinarian. Tests on the dog confirmed the presence of the virus, the department said in a statement Friday.

Canine influenza symptoms include moist coughing, loss of appetite and fever. It can progress to pneumonia. The department recommends that dog owners who are considering boarding their pets ask the owner whether dogs at the kennel are exhibiting flu symptoms. Pet owners whose animals are coughing are advised not to take them to kennels for fear of spreading the disease, the department said.

There currently is no vaccine for this disease. Utahns are urged to report any suspected cases of canine influenza to the office of the State Veterinarian, 801-538-7160, until further notice.