Protect your Dog from West Nile Virus

For several years, dogs have been infected with West Nile Virus without showing any symptoms of the encephalitis it causes. But in recent months, several cases have emerged in which dogs are believed to have developed symptoms from the virus itself.

An 8-year-old Irish Setter-Golden Retriever mix has died last month. A month before a few other dogs showed symptoms of West Nile encephalitis, and a Greyhound was confirmed with West Nile virus this month. It is not all bad, a 5-year-old Golden Retriever has recovered with treatment.

Most dogs with the virus will display no typical encephalitis symptoms: seizures, muscle spasms, and lack of coordination. Dogs have a natural resistance to illness and do not easily succumb to viruses.

Mammals contract the virus from mosquitoes, which get it from blood of infected birds. No vaccine exists for dogs or people. Several companies are working toward a human vaccine, according to the experts.

Take these steps to protect you dog:

Prevent mosquitoes from biting your dog. When the insects emerge, take your dog in the house.
Reduce the number of mosquitoes in your dog's environment. Dump anything that allows water to collect; replace water in dog dishes, bird baths, etc twice weekly; and adjust ground levels so water doesn't collect during storms.

If your dog shows symptoms, immediately seek veterinary care. Potential treatments include supportive therapy, such as vitamins and re-hydration; an anti-inflammatory to stimulate the immune system, and a broad-spectrum antibiotic to kill secondary bacteria that take advantage of a suppressed immune system.