What Every Dog Owner Should Know About Canine Influenza (Dog Flu)

Canine influenza, also known as dog flu, is a growing concern for dogs.

An increasing number of cases of dog flu have been reported across the country. Dog flu is a highly contagious disease that began as an isolated episode of respiratory disease in one state and has now become a nationwide health concern for all dogs. Although there have been fewer reports of dog flu in Colorado Springs than in Denver, both strains (H3N8 and H3N2) have been reported in Colorado.

Here’s what every dog owner should know about canine influenza.

What is Canine Influenza?

Canine influenza (dog flu) is a contagious respiratory disease caused by a specific Type A influenza virus known to infect dogs. There are two strains of Type A dog flu viruses: H3N8 and H3N2. Unlike human influenza viruses that tend to be seasonal, canine influenza can occur year-round.

Can Canine Influenza Infect People?

To date, there have been no reported cases of people being infected with a canine influenza virus in the U.S. or worldwide. In 2016 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) assessed the human risk of canine influenza infection to be low.

How Did Canine Influenza Viruses Originate?

The two different strains of canine influenza began differently.

Canine influenza H3N8 originated in horses. The H3N8 equine flu virus has existed for at least 40 years. The first canine case was reported in greyhounds in the U.S. in 2004. Scientists believe the equine virus adapted to cause illness and spread to dogs. The H3N8 canine variety is now considered a dog-specific illness. It has now been detected throughout the U.S.

Canine influenza H3N2 virus originated in birds. The first canine H3N2 virus was reported in South Korea in 2007. The H3N2 canine influenza virus was first reported in the U.S. in 2015 and has now been found in more than 30 states. The H3N2 virus can be transmitted between dogs as well as to cats, guinea pigs and ferrets.

To see a map of dog flu cases reported across the country, visit DogFlu.com here.

What are the Symptoms of Canine Influenza?

The signs of canine influenza in dogs include:

• Cough
• Runny nose
• Fever
• Lethargy
• Eye discharge
• Difficulty breathing
• Reduced appetite
• Dehydration
• Changes in the dog’s behavior, like reduced activity level

The symptoms can sometimes look like kennel cough. Some affected dogs will be asymptomatic and others may become severely ill. Although the illness is rarely fatal, it can result in pneumonia, which can be dangerous. Some dogs require hospitalization and IV fluids. Most dogs recover within 2 to 3 weeks. If you suspect your dog has canine influenza, or has the above symptoms, contact your veterinarian right away.

How is Canine Influenza Transmitted?

Dogs have no natural immunity to canine influenza because it is a new virus. Therefore, almost all dogs are susceptible to canine flu infection. Dogs of all breeds, ages, gender or health status are at risk of infection when exposed to the virus.

Virus infection tends to spread among dogs in kennels, shelters, dog parks, daycare programs, grooming facilities or any other social situation. The virus is easily spread by mobile dogs, like rescue dogs or show dogs. This is how the virus has spread from state to state.

Canine flu is spread through respiratory droplets during coughing, sneezing or coming in contact with contaminated surfaces. Dogs can’t become infected simply by being on a leash in the same room with an infected dog; there has to be some form of direct contact with the germs.

Dogs are most contagious during the first five days of infection, often before they ever show any signs of being infected.

Dog owners whose dog is showing signs of respiratory disease should not let their animal be around other dogs or cats. Clothing, equipment, surfaces and hands should be cleaned and disinfected after exposure to dogs showing signs of respiratory disease.

Is There a Test for Canine Influenza?

Yes, testing to confirm both H3N8 and H3N2 virus strains is available from a veterinarian.

How is Canine Influenza Treated?

Treatment primarily consists of keeping the dog hydrated and comfortable. There are medications to help your dog be more comfortable and fluids to help you dog stay hydrated. Broad spectrum antibiotics may be prescribed if a secondary bacterial infection is suspected.

Is There a Vaccine for Canine Influenza?

Yes. There are vaccines to protect dogs from both H3N8 and H3N2 viruses. Your veterinarian can provide more information on these vaccines and whether you should consider vaccinating your dog.

Click here to learn more about immunizations and your dog

What Should I Do If My Dog Has a Cough?

If your dog has a cough, or any of the symptoms listed above, you should call your veterinarian to find out if your pooch needs to be seen.

Just like human vaccinations, animal vaccinations are NOT fool-proof and your pet may still present symptoms and become sick if exposed to the flu viruses. According to research, if your dog is vaccinated and comes in contact with the virus, they will mostly likely experience a decrease in symptoms because they are inoculated.

So often, when dog parents are informed their dog presents symptoms of canine influenza or Bordetella (usually coughing) at school they are surprised because their dog has been vaccinated. It’s important to keep in mind that your dog can still present symptoms even if they have been vaccinated.

How Does Canine Campus Protect Dogs in Care?

Here at Canine Campus, we work very hard to ensure your dog is in a safe, sanitary environment while in care. Proper cleaning and sanitation protocols are important for preventing the spread of infectious diseases among dogs present. Cleaning and disinfection are important parts of caring for our students. Our staff receive formal training on how to use cleaning products properly and appropriately. If you have any questions about our cleaning and disinfecting policies or would like more information on how we protect the health of dogs in our care, please don’t hesitate to ask!

Please share this article with other dog owners. Understanding canine influenza can lead to quicker recognition and hopefully, a better outcome for infected animals.