Canine Flu

Dog flu, medically known as canine influenza, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that poses a significant health risk to our canine companions. First identified in the early 2000s, dog flu has since spread across various regions in the United States, affecting dogs of all breeds and ages. With symptoms ranging from coughing and sneezing to fever and lethargy, dog flu can be easily mistaken for other respiratory infections, making awareness and early detection crucial. As recent outbreaks have shown, the virus can spread rapidly in places where dogs congregate, such as kennels, dog parks, and grooming facilities. Understanding the signs, modes of transmission, and preventive measures of dog flu is essential for pet owners to safeguard their dogs’ health. This article delves into the causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies of canine flu, providing evidence-based information to help you protect your furry friend from this pervasive illness.

Did you know that your canine companion can get the flu? In fact, there’s an outbreak going on now. Fido’s version, canine influenza virus (CIV)–also often called the dog flu—is an influenza A virus. There are several strains, but the two that are most common in the US are H3N8 and H3N2. These strains are both extremely contagious, and are the culprits behind the current outbreak. A local vet offers some information on this below.

Symptoms

If Fido gets the flu, he’ll likely have many of the same symptoms as you would, such as coughing, nasal discharge, fever, lethargy, and reduced appetite. Of these, coughing is the most common. It may also be the most persistent. That said, our furry friends all react differently to the flu. Some pups will not show any symptoms at all. Other dogs may bounce back after a few days, or stay sick for weeks. A few will become severely ill. In rare cases, dog flu can be fatal. Senior dogs and pooches with chronic illnesses and/or immune deficiencies are at highest risk. If you have an older dog, you might want to check out our article on Caring For A Super Senior Pet for additional tips on keeping your aging furry friend healthy.

Spread

Fido’s flu can spread extremely quickly. The virus is transmitted through droplets of saliva, and can remain active in respiratory droplets on surfaces for several hours. Pups can easily contract it through shared toys or dishes. Fido could also get sick by greeting or nose-booping another pooch, or even just by sniffing a stick at a park that a sick dog played with hours ago.

Dogs that have contracted the flu remain contagious for about a month. As one can imagine, places like dog parks, daycares, grooming salons, and kennels can quickly become hotspots of contagion. Another potential source of spread? People! Someone who pets an infected dog and then a healthy one may quickly spread the illness from pooch to pooch. Be aware of the risks when taking Fido to different places. You can also track the current outbreak online here.

Treatment

To safeguard against dog flu, remember that while there is no cure for this illness, most dogs recover independently with proper care. Your role is to ensure your pet remains comfortable and hydrated. Monitor your dog closely, and if you suspect dog flu, consult your veterinarian immediately for tailored advice on managing the condition.

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How is canine flu diagnosed?

Canine flu is diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory testing. Veterinarians assess symptoms such as coughing, nasal discharge, fever, lethargy, and reduced appetite. To confirm the presence of the influenza virus, they may collect samples from the dog’s nose or throat for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, which detects viral RNA. Blood tests can also be performed to identify antibodies against the virus, indicating exposure or infection. Accurate diagnosis helps in managing the illness effectively and in taking precautions to prevent transmission to other dogs.

What are the vaccination options?

Vaccination is an effective way to protect dogs against the canine influenza viruses H3N8 and H3N2, which are the most common and highly contagious strains in the US. Specific vaccines targeting these strains can significantly reduce the risk of infection and lessen the severity of symptoms if a dog does contract the virus. Vaccination is especially recommended for dogs that frequently interact with others in settings like parks, daycare centers, grooming salons, or kennels. Consulting a veterinarian will help determine the best vaccination plan tailored to a pet’s needs, particularly for senior dogs or those with weakened immune systems.

How long can the virus survive on surfaces?

Canine influenza virus, particularly the strains H3N8 and H3N2, can remain active on surfaces for several hours. The virus is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets that contain the virus, which can linger on shared toys, dishes, or other common objects. It’s critical for dog owners to be aware of this as their pets could contract the virus by coming into contact with contaminated items, even hours after being used by an infected dog. Regular cleaning and disinfecting of items and surfaces can help reduce the risk of spread.

What are specific quarantine guidelines?

Specific quarantine guidelines for canine influenza recommend isolating infected dogs for about a month to prevent the virus from spreading. During this period, minimize your dog’s contact with other pets and communal spaces such as dog parks and daycares. It’s also advisable to disinfect any objects your dog has been in contact with, including toys and bedding, to eliminate the virus from surfaces. Owners should also wash their hands after handling an infected pet to avoid transmitting the virus to other animals.

Can humans get infected?

Humans cannot contract canine influenza. The virus that causes dog flu, specifically the strains H3N8 and H3N2, is an influenza A virus that primarily affects canines. Although highly contagious among dogs, there is no evidence to suggest that canine influenza can infect humans. However, humans can facilitate the spread of the virus between dogs through contact, such as petting an infected dog and then touching a healthy one without proper hygiene practices. It’s important to maintain good hand washing and sanitation measures when dealing with sick pets.

Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? We’re here to help! Our Veterinary Wellness & Pet Vaccinations service can help keep your pet protected against various diseases, including canine flu. Contact us, your local animal clinic in Peterborough, ON!