Canine Influenza
The canine flu is an emerging respiratory infection in dogs. It was initially discovered in 2005 when a large number of racing greyhounds country-wide came down with an unidentified respiratory disease. Testing determined that the culprit was the flu virus N3H8, which had jumped from horses into dogs. It is now a canine-specific flu and is found in many states, including Texas.
How is Canine Flu transmitted?
Just like human flu, dogs catch canine flu from direct contact with other infected dogs through respiratory secretions (coughing, sneezing, saliva), or from infected objects such as toys or bowls. The virus can stay alive in the environment for 12-24 hours. This virus is highly contagious, and since this is a relatively new virus that most dogs have not been exposed to, almost 100% of dogs exposed will become infected. The problem is, dogs become infectious a few days before they show symptoms, making it easier to spread the flu to a wide number of other dogs before owners or veterinarians realize there is a problem.
Can I get the flu from my dog?
The good news is no. This is a flu virus specific to dogs only.
What are the symptoms?
Dogs that get the flu exhibit similar symptoms to people:
How is the flu treated?
For most mild cases, outpatient care can be provided including antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections, cough suppressants if needed, and supportive care such as fluids or special diets if your dog is not interested in eating. The symptoms can last 2-3 weeks. In more severe cases, hospitalization with aggressive intravenous fluids and antibiotics may be needed, in addition to oxygen support.
How do I prevent other dogs from getting the flu?
Any dog that is coughing or sneezing (regardless of the cause) should be kept apart from other dogs. This means no boarding or doggie daycare, dog parks, pet store visits, play dates, shows, or training classes. We recommend keeping your dog with suspected canine flu at home for at least 1-2 weeks after the symptoms have resolved. This will lessen the likelihood that your dog will pass the flu on to any other dogs.
How do I prevent my dog from getting the flu?
There is a good vaccine available for canine influenza. It is necessary to booster this vaccine every year in order to get good protection, just like with human flu vaccines. This vaccine is designed to do two things:
What dogs should be vaccinated for canine influenza?
At this point we are not incorporating the canine flu vaccine into our core vaccine list, or those vaccines that are necessary for all dogs. We recommend this vaccine if your dog does one or more of the following activities:
Key point: We have two vaccines (the DA2PP and the Bordetella vaccines) that contain important protection against several of the common secondary respiratory pathogens that can cause severe pneumonia in dogs that contract the flu. These are core vaccines that all of our dogs get on a yearly basis. It is important to keep your dog updated on these vaccinations in addition to the flu vaccine if you have your dog participate in any of the above activities to ensure your dog is fully protected.
How is Canine Flu transmitted?
Just like human flu, dogs catch canine flu from direct contact with other infected dogs through respiratory secretions (coughing, sneezing, saliva), or from infected objects such as toys or bowls. The virus can stay alive in the environment for 12-24 hours. This virus is highly contagious, and since this is a relatively new virus that most dogs have not been exposed to, almost 100% of dogs exposed will become infected. The problem is, dogs become infectious a few days before they show symptoms, making it easier to spread the flu to a wide number of other dogs before owners or veterinarians realize there is a problem.
Can I get the flu from my dog?
The good news is no. This is a flu virus specific to dogs only.
What are the symptoms?
Dogs that get the flu exhibit similar symptoms to people:
- Coughing
- Runny nose
- Discharge from the eyes (clear or yellow/green)
- Lethargy
- Inappetance
How is the flu treated?
For most mild cases, outpatient care can be provided including antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections, cough suppressants if needed, and supportive care such as fluids or special diets if your dog is not interested in eating. The symptoms can last 2-3 weeks. In more severe cases, hospitalization with aggressive intravenous fluids and antibiotics may be needed, in addition to oxygen support.
How do I prevent other dogs from getting the flu?
Any dog that is coughing or sneezing (regardless of the cause) should be kept apart from other dogs. This means no boarding or doggie daycare, dog parks, pet store visits, play dates, shows, or training classes. We recommend keeping your dog with suspected canine flu at home for at least 1-2 weeks after the symptoms have resolved. This will lessen the likelihood that your dog will pass the flu on to any other dogs.
How do I prevent my dog from getting the flu?
There is a good vaccine available for canine influenza. It is necessary to booster this vaccine every year in order to get good protection, just like with human flu vaccines. This vaccine is designed to do two things:
- Decrease the severity of symptoms your dog shows if he/she gets infected with flu virus
- Decrease the amount of virus shed in the respiratory secretions (this will reduce the spread of the virus to other dogs)
What dogs should be vaccinated for canine influenza?
At this point we are not incorporating the canine flu vaccine into our core vaccine list, or those vaccines that are necessary for all dogs. We recommend this vaccine if your dog does one or more of the following activities:
- Doggie daycare or frequent boarding
- Gets groomed frequently
- Visits dog parks
- Visits pet stores
- Is in training programs, shows, or other places where contact with other dogs occurs
- Travels
Key point: We have two vaccines (the DA2PP and the Bordetella vaccines) that contain important protection against several of the common secondary respiratory pathogens that can cause severe pneumonia in dogs that contract the flu. These are core vaccines that all of our dogs get on a yearly basis. It is important to keep your dog updated on these vaccinations in addition to the flu vaccine if you have your dog participate in any of the above activities to ensure your dog is fully protected.