Getting the flu is miserable for any person to go through, but did you know that dogs can get their own type of the flu, too? Dog flu, also known as canine influenza, can spread easily between dogs and has similar symptoms to human flu. Here’s what you need to know about dog flu.
Dog Flu Is Highly Contagious to Other Dogs
Dog flu is caused by the canine influenza viruses (CIV) H3N8 and H3N2, and has been reported throughout the U.S. Canine influenza viruses spread in many of the same ways as common cold and flu viruses do in people, including through:
- Direct contact, including sniffing, licking or nuzzling
- Airborne droplets released during coughing or sneezing
- Contaminated surfaces, such as water and food bowls, toys, leashes, collars, human hands and clothing (where the virus may be present)
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dog flu viruses may survive in the environment for about two days, on human hands for 12 hours and on clothing for up to 24 hours.
Is Your Dog at Risk from Dog Flu?
Canine flu can affect practically any dog. However, social dogs — dogs who regularly interact with other dogs outside their family — are at greater risk of exposure to the virus. Social dogs are those who:
- Play at dog parks
- Stay at a boarding kennel
- Visit doggy daycare
- Attend dog-friendly events
- Participate or attend dog sporting events or shows
- Visit the local pet store or groomer
- Go to training classes
- Frequently greet other dogs during walks
- Have doggy play dates
If your dog participates in any of these activities, you have a social dog who is at greater risk for dog flu.
Dog Flu Symptoms
Almost all dogs exposed to either canine influenza virus strain become infected, with about 80 percent of dogs developing disease-related signs. The majority of flu cases are mild, but up to 20 percent of CIV-infected dogs can develop a moderate to severe form of respiratory illness.
The common clinical signs of canine influenza are:
- Coughing and retching
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Discharge from the nose and/or eyes
- Decreased appetite
- Lethargy (listlessness or fatigue)
In more severe cases, secondary infections and pneumonia may develop. Unfortunately, canine influenza is fatal in a small number of cases. If your dog is experiencing any of the symptoms of dog flu listed above, contact your vet immediately.
Many of these clinical signs also occur with other forms of canine infectious respiratory disease such as kennel cough. Since lab tests are available to identify various respiratory disease-causing bacteria and viruses, including CIV strains, you’ll want to have your veterinarian perform the appropriate test if possible.
Can Dogs Get the Flu from Humans?
While the symptoms of dog flu can be similar to human flu symptoms, the good news is that your dog can’t catch the flu from you. Although your pet’s symptoms may mimic yours, the influenza viruses that infect dogs are different from the ones that infect people — they’re species specific, meaning they can infect only one species. Another difference between dog flu and human flu is that canine influenza is not a “seasonal” flu — it’s present all year long.
Canine Influenza Treatment
As with other viral diseases, treatment for dog flu is primarily supportive with rest and fluids. However, if pneumonia or a secondary bacterial infection develops, additional diagnostics and treatments, such as X-rays, antibiotics or fever-reducing medications, may be needed.
Most dogs recover from dog flu within two to three weeks. However, many veterinarians recommend allowing at least four weeks for a dog with a respiratory infection to recover fully. This can also help reduce the risk of spreading dog flu to other dogs.
A Canine Influenza Vaccine Is Available
Dog illnesses caused by influenza viruses can be prevented in some cases with an effective vaccine. Veterinarians now have several dog flu vaccine options and can protect your dog against both CIV strains with two doses of a vaccine.
Your veterinarian is your best resource regarding your dog’s health. Be sure to talk with your veterinarian about your dog’s risk for various diseases — including dog flu — and what you can do to protect your furry friend.
