You may have heard about the Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) or “dog flu” that has been going around the Chicago area in recent weeks. If you have not, here is what you should know.

CIV is a highly contagious respiratory disease that is different from “Kennel Cough” but is passed in a similar way. It spreads rapidly in areas where dogs are in close quarters with one another – boarding kennels, dog parks, shelters, grooming salons, etc. While there have been no reported cases in the area, be cautious when heading to areas where there have been diagnosed cases. Should you be interested, there is a vaccine that is available through your veterinarian.