Canine influenza is an airborne illness that is easily transmitted. Dogs can contract it anywhere there are other dogs -- that includes the dog park, dog shows, boarding facilities, groomers and even the animal hospital. Since this virus is so new, dogs do not have natural immunity to it and there is no vaccine to prevent it.

The University of Florida's School of Veterinary Medicine, which is leading the research into this disease, also reports the following:

• Virtually every dog exposed to the virus becomes infected.
• The incubation period for the disease is 2 to 5 days after exposure.
• Infected dogs may shed the virus (be contagious) for 7-10 days.
• About 20% do not develop symptoms, but become silent carriers.
• Most dogs develop mild disease with cough, runny nose and low-grade fever.
• In a small percentage of dogs, the illness can progress to pneumonia and may require hospitalization.

Since there is currently no screening test for canine influenza, it is possible that your pet will be exposed to this virus while boarding. Best Friends is taking the following steps to prevent the spread of this illness:

• We will turn away any pet that has been in another boarding facility or at dog shows or other congregations of dogs in the prior two weeks;
• We will turn away pets with cough or other symptom of illness at check-in;
• If a guest develops symptoms, the dog will be put into isolation immediately.

As is always our practice, if a dog shows signs of illness while boarding with us, he or she will be seen by a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

If your dog develops a cough after boarding or being around other dogs, it is very important that you take him to your veterinarian immediately so treatment can begin as soon as possible. Be sure that canine influenza is considered as a possible cause.