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How Can Sitters Protect their Homes from the Dog Flu?

Can anyone share any sanitation tips they are using to help keep their homes safe from the dog flu? After I keep a pet in my home, I always thoroughly clean and sanitize by mopping the floors and using some bleach in my mop solution. I also sweep, vaccum and wash any toys and pet bedding (of my own) that my houseguest may have used. I also use spray bleach cleanup if a doggie has an accident but I was just wondering if anyone is using any other methods to keep their homes safe from the horrible dog flu going around. I would also love to hear from any veterinarians!

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We, here in Chicago, are on the tail end of the dog flu. It surfaced in early spring and I've heard that the number of cases has been dwindling such that the city's animal care and control (the pound) finally reopened its doors for potential adoptions last week. The protocol followed by a nearby no-kill shelter was, whenever a dog left its "suite" (yes, they're called that at this ritzy shelter), another staffmember would follow with a mop and bucket (containing bleach solution) and swab the floor. That, unfortunately, is the only effective way to help contain the flu since it is not only airborne but can live on surfaces for a day or two. What you are doing, Sherri, is marvelous and admirable, but you'd have to be constantly cleaning and keeping all dogs entirely separate. At a neighborhood office, where dogs get treats, the office staff will wash their hands after every dog encounter to ensure they're not passing on the virus. I delayed taking my dog to the groomer for his summer haircut until last week because it is considered a high-risk environment. The best thing to do is find out from pet parents where their dog frequents (dog parks, daycare, etc.) I would be very wary of accepting any dog that was still being allowed in those environments during this period.

Update: Here is a link to the Cornell Vet School's information for pet owners on the canine flu, with links to the AVMA's site, but Cornell was where the virus was identified.

http://www.vet.cornell.edu/Baker/News...

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What you're doing is great but I would advise against letting dogs share toys since the flu can be spread through saliva. Additionally, request that the dog owners provide their own water and food bowls to avoid any contamination as well. The best way to steer clear of the flu is to directly ask clients if their dog has had exposure to the flu or if they've received the flu vaccine. To avoid any possibility of complications I wouldn't watch any dogs that currently have the influenza, even if they are in the recovery process.