Long before "swine flu" made people sick, dog lovers were hitting the panic button because canine influenza was killing dogs at greyhound racing tracks.

Dog flu first surfaced in 2004 in Florida. As racing dogs were shipped to tracks around the country, the outbreak spread and cases were confirmed in 25 states. Canine influenza arrived in Pittsburgh in 2007.

Fast-forward to now, and dog owners have little to worry about. But if your dog has a nasal discharge, call your veterinarian immediately. More on that later in this column.

Canine influenza was first confirmed in Pittsburgh on Feb. 2, 2007, at the Animal Rescue League of Western Pennsylvania in Larimer. Two dogs died and four had to be euthanized when they developed a serious form of pneumonia, a complication of the flu. About 24 dogs got the virus but recovered with treatment.

The second batch of confirmed cases came about two weeks later when 25 to 30 canine clients at a North Hills grooming, boarding and training facility got the flu but recovered with treatment.

At that time, there was no inoculation to protect dogs from the virus. People feared they could never again take pets to dog shows and other competitions, dog parks, boarding kennels or groomers.

Dead silence followed, and we heard nothing more. Then, in early October, I received an e-mail from a co-worker, Melissa Tkach, saying that her family's two dogs had gotten the flu and had been rushed to their veterinarian. Darla, a 5-year-old Boston terrier, recovered. Snickers, a 15-year-old Yorkie-poo, died. Ms. Tkach wanted to let people know that prompt treatment increases the chance of survival.

So I made some phone calls, and here's the canine influenza update:

"There is very good evidence the virus has not spread to the general population," said Colin Parrish, professor of virology at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University. "What happened with the greyhounds was serious but not typical. In most states, it did not spread beyond the racing kennels.

"Almost all of the canine flu cases have been very mild at this point, and less than 1 percent of the dogs die," Dr. Parrish said.

Cornell has one of the few labs that can test for dog flu.

"There is a vaccine now," Dr. Parrish said, "and I think it's probably moderately effective."

But it's new, and people should ask their own veterinarians about using it.

Locally, dog flu cases have been few and far between. Veterinarian Lawrence J. Gerson said three dogs in his Point Breeze practice had mild cases of canine influenza in the past two years and recovered after treatment.

As for the dog flu vaccine, "I've been using it selectively, basically for a few 'high contact' dogs" that regularly go to shows, dog parks or other activities where they have a lot of direct contact with other dogs, Dr. Gerson said. "I have not given the vaccine to my own dogs."

Direct nose-to-nose contact is the most likely way for dogs to spread the flu, according to Dr. Gerson, Dr. Parrish and fact sheets on the Web site of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Dogs seldom get nasal discharges, so if you see that symptom call your vet immediately, Dr. Gerson said, because it's one of the prime signs of dog flu.

Coughing is another symptom that merits a phone call, although it's also a sign of the much-less-serious bordatella, commonly called kennel cough.

Symptoms of canine influenza can linger as long as three to four weeks. Serious cases may require intravenous antibiotics administered at a veterinary clinic.

"The virus can survive for up to 48 hours on surfaces, up to 24 hours on clothing and up to 12 hours on peoples' hands," according to the AVMA Web site. Nasal secretions on food bowls, collars and leashes can spread the virus.

Washing hands and items touched by dogs can thwart the spread of the virus. And of course, if your dog is coughing or has a nasal discharge, keep it away from other dogs.

Did you know rabbits need to eat large amounts of hay?

Rabbits are loving and charming pets, and they're growing in popularity. But many people don't know how to keep a house rabbit happy and healthy. That's the reason for a free seminar presented by the Pittsburgh House Rabbit Club next Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Animal Rescue League, 6620 Hamilton Ave., Larimer.

The speaker is Thomas Wiles, a veterinarian at Pittsburgh Spay and Vaccination Clinic. Topics include dealing with issues facing rabbits 6 to 15 years old, including arthritis, dental disease, weight loss or gain, and "grief from loss of mate."

Consider adopting a rabbit or two from a shelter. They will probably initially cost more than a pet store bunny, but adoption fees include the cost of at least one veterinary exam, including neuter surgery. Go to www.pittsburghhouserabbit.org for more information.