Dogs are susceptible to a number of respiratory infections, one of which is the canine influenza virus (CIV). This highly contagious virus can cause a range of symptoms in dogs, from mild to deadly. Because dog flu is so easily spread, it's important for dog owners to be aware of the symptoms and take steps to protect their pets. Dog flu symptoms can vary from dog to dog, and in this blog article, we will discuss the most common.
What is influenza in dogs?
Influenza in dogs is a respiratory infection caused by a virus, the Canine Influenza Virus. In dogs, there are two strains of the virus that can cause illness: H3N8 and H3N2. The H3N8 virus is the one that was originally responsible for the dog flu outbreak in 2004, while the H3N2 virus is a more recent addition to the list of respiratory infections that can affect dogs.
How do dogs get the dog flu?
The Canine Influenza Virus is most easily spread in environments where there are a lot of dogs, such as shelters, boarding centers, dog parks, pet stores, grooming facilities, and veterinary hospitals. The virus can be spread by coughing or sneezing (consol transmission), by contact with contaminated surfaces (fomites), or by direct contact with another dog's nose or mouth. Even homes with just one dog can get the virus if they come into contact with something that has the virus on it.
Currently, the Canine Influenza Virus is most commonly found in shelters, with other outbreaks happening occasionally. There seems to be a seasonal pattern, which is more common with H3N8 than with H3N2. Most infections reach their height during winter, with a smaller spike in late summer or early fall.
What dog flu symptoms do you need to watch out for?
The most common dog flu symptoms are coughing, anorexia, lethargy, fever, sneezing, ocular discharge, and nasal discharge. These symptoms of the flu in dogs can vary and range from mild to severe. In a study of dogs with Canine Influenza Virus, nearly all of them had coughing or sneezing (98%), 78% were lethargic, and 75% had inappetence and fever.
Coughing is the most common symptom of dog flu and is usually the first sign that something is wrong. The cough seen in dogs with the flu is usually non-productive and dry. In severe cases, dog flu can lead to pneumonia, which can be fatal. Pneumonia is characterized by difficulty breathing, increased respiratory rate, and coughing up blood.
Dogs with pneumonia (a severe form of dog flu) may have difficulty breathing and a bloody discharge in the form of a cough.
Anorexia, or loss of appetite, is another common symptom in dogs with the flu. This can be accompanied by lethargy or general malaise. Dogs with dog flu may also have a fever, although this is not always present.
Sneezing and ocular discharge are also common in dogs with dog flu. The ocular discharge is usually clear and watery but can become thick and yellow or green as the infection progresses. Nasal discharge is also common and may be either clear or bloody.
If you think your dog might have dog flu, it's important to see your veterinarian right away. The sooner the treatment starts, the better his chances are for a full recovery.
How is dog flu treated?
The dog flu is a virus and, as such, cannot be cured with antibiotics. However, there are ways to help your dog feel more comfortable, alleviate dog flu symptoms, and to prevent the influenza virus from spreading to other dogs.
Antiviral drugs that are used in humans for influenza are seldom used in dogs as first-line therapy and are not recommended as they lack evidence of efficacy.
Most cases of the flu in dogs are self-limiting and will resolve on their own within 2-3 weeks. However, some dogs can develop secondary bacterial infections that may require antibiotics.
The dog flu is a highly contagious disease and often requires hospitalization for treatment that may include intravenous fluids (IV) or oxygen therapy. Dogs with the dog flu should be isolated from other dogs to prevent the spread of the virus.
While antibiotics are not always necessary for dogs with the flu, they may be needed if the dog develops a secondary bacterial infection. Additionally, dogs with a fever, purulent nasal discharge, productive coughing or pneumonia may require antibiotics.
Corticosteroids such as prednisone and dexamethasone should not be used unless the dog has chronic respiratory inflammation or severe respiratory signs. These drugs can have serious side effects and should only be used under the guidance of a veterinarian.
Because cough suppressants can inhibit microbial and mucus clearance from the respiratory tract, they are not recommended for dogs with the flu who have pneumonia or suspected pneumonia.
What is the prognosis for dogs with dog flu?
Most dogs will recover from the dog flu within 2-3 weeks. However, some dogs may develop pneumonia, which can be fatal. Pneumonia is characterized by difficulty breathing, increased respiratory rate and coughing up blood. The dog flu can also lead to other serious complications such as dehydration, weight loss and secondary bacterial infections. Early diagnosis and treatment of dog flu are essential for the best possible outcome.
Can people catch canine influenza from dogs?
No, dog flu is not contagious to people. However, people can spread the virus to dogs if a person has been exposed to an infected dog and therefore essentially acts as a fomite for transmission. Therefore, it is important for people who have sick dogs or who have been in contact with sick dogs to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling them.
Is there a vaccine for canine influenza?
Yes, there are two vaccines available for dog flu: one that covers both H3N8 and H3N2 and one that only covers H3N2. The vaccine is not 100% effective but can help reduce the severity and duration of the disease if your dog is exposed to the virus. It is important to note that the vaccine does not protect against all strains of the virus and that vaccinated dogs can still become infected with dog flu. However, the symptoms are usually much milder in vaccinated dogs.
Dogs at high risk of exposure to disease or who live in areas where diseases are common should be vaccinated annually.
How can I protect my dog from canine influenza?
The best way to protect your dog from the dog flu is to have him vaccinated. Dogs at high risk of exposure to the virus or who live in areas where dog flu is common should be vaccinated annually. In addition, it is important to avoid taking your dog to places where there is a high concentration of dogs, such as dog parks, dog shows, and dog grooming facilities. If you must take your dog to one of these places, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling him. Finally, if your dog is sick, it is important to keep him away from other dogs to prevent the spread of the disease.
How can you get rid of the Canine Influenza Virus?
Influenza viruses are relatively easy to kill with routine disinfectants, and they don't tend to live long outside of a host. The canine influenza virus has been shown to only survive in the environment for 48 hours, and it only lasts for 24 hours on porous surfaces like clothing.
Canine influenza virus (CIV) is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection that affects dogs. Dog flu is spread most easily in overcrowded or high-population environments, such as shelters, boarding centers, dog parks, pet stores, dog shows, veterinary hospitals, and grooming facilities. The most common dog flu symptoms are coughing, sneezing, anorexia, lethargy, fever, ocular discharge, and nasal discharge. Fortunately, most cases are self-limiting and will resolve on their own within 2-3 weeks. However, some dogs can develop secondary bacterial infections or pneumonia, which can be fatal. Early diagnosis and treatment of dog flu are essential for the best possible outcome. If you think your dog might have dog flu, it's important to see your veterinarian right away. Thanks for reading!