Canine flu, also known as dog flu, is affecting the health of dogs from coast to coast. Here’s what you need to know about this highly contagious disease.
Is your dog at risk?
According to veterinary experts at Merck Animal Health, canine flu can affect virtually any dog. However, “social” dogs are more at risk of being exposed to the viruses that cause canine influenza, canine influenza virus (CIV) H3N8 and H3N2.
Social dogs are those who:
- Play in dog parks
- Stay in a boarding house
- Visit the dog daycare
- Attend dog-friendly events
- Participating in or attending canine sporting events or shows
- Visit the local pet store or groomer
- Access training courses
- Greet other dogs frequently during walks
- Have doggy style play dates
If your dog participates in any of these activities, you have a social dog that is at higher risk for canine flu.
A highly contagious disease
CIV was first reported in racing greyhounds in Florida in 2003. A second, different virus appeared in 2015 in dogs in Chicago. Since then, dogs in nearly every state have tested positive for either virus, and both strains of CIV have been confirmed in most states.
Canine flu viruses are spread the same way cold and flu viruses are in humans. Canine flu viruses are most often spread by:
- Direct contact, including sniffing, licking or snooping
- Airborne droplets released when coughing or sneezing
- Contaminated surfaces, such as water and food bowls, toys, human hands, and clothing (where the virus may be present)
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), CIV can survive in the environment for about two days, on hands for 12 hours, and on clothing for up to 24 hours.
Know the signs
Because canine influenza is a relatively new disease, most dogs exposed to either CIV strain become infected, with approximately 80% of dogs developing signs related to the disease. The majority of influenza cases are mild, but up to 20% of dogs infected with CIV can develop a moderate to severe form.
The common clinical signs of canine flu are:
- Cough and vomiting
- To sneeze
- Runny nose and/or eyes
- Decreased appetite
- Lethargy (listlessness or fatigue)
Some dogs may have a fever, and in more severe cases high fever and pneumonia may develop.
If these signs sound familiar to you, they should. Many of these clinical signs also occur with other canine respiratory diseases such as kennel cough. Since lab tests are available to identify various bacteria and viruses that cause respiratory disease, including strains of CIV, you’ll want your veterinarian to perform the appropriate test if possible.
Wait and watch? Or proactively protect?
Most dogs recover from canine flu in two to three weeks. However, many veterinary specialists recommend allowing a dog with a respiratory infection at least four weeks to fully recover. It can also help reduce the risk of spreading CIV to other dogs.
As with other viral illnesses, treatment for canine influenza is primarily supportive. However, if pneumonia or a secondary bacterial infection develops, additional diagnostics and treatment, such as x-rays, antibiotics, or fever medications, may be needed.
As the owner of a social dog, you also have the opportunity to protect your canine companion. Canine diseases caused by viruses are best “treated” by prevention with an effective vaccine. Vets now have several canine flu vaccine options and can protect your social dog against both CIV strains with two doses of one vaccine.
Your veterinarian is your best resource for your dog’s health. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian about your dog’s risk for various illnesses — including canine flu — and what you can do to protect your best furry friend.
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