The winter season is here.  With that comes family gatherings and trips to visit with loved ones, as well as more time spent indoors due to the weather.  When the frequency of boarding, kennel, or grooming visits increases, so does the likelihood of your pet being exposed to respiratory disease.

Over the past few years, canine influenza cases have been on the rise.  Canine influenza was first diagnosed in September of 2005.  It is thought that the virus jumped from horses to greyhounds.  This strain of flu is designated as H3N8.  The second strain of canine influenza was discovered in 2007.  It was believed to have spread from birds to dogs, starting in South Korea.  It has now been found in over 30 states and is termed H3N2.  This type of flu is also considered capable of causing disease in felines as well (only the H3N2 strain).

Both strains of canine influenza are now considered endemic in the United States.  Canine influenza is not transmissible to people.  The CDC does monitor this virus through surveillance methods to make sure that the virus is not changing.

The signs of canine influenza are as follow:

  • Cough (generally moist cough is more common as opposed to the hacking dry cough associated with kennel cough and tracheal collapse)
  • Runny nose
  • Fever
  • Lethargy
  • Eye discharge
  • Reduced appetite

The severity of illness associated with canine flu in dogs can range from no signs to severe illness with pneumonia and sometimes death.  For this reason, it is highly recommended to have your pet evaluated if you are concerned that he/she may have been exposed to canine influenza virus or if you are noting any of the symptoms listed above.

Dogs do not possess natural antibodies to canine influenza virus.  Due to this fact, most dogs that encounter the virus can become infected (the percentage rate of those exposed can be as high as 80 percent).  Canine flu is thought to spread mostly from contact with respiratory droplets or through contact with contaminated surfaces.  Clothing and surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected after handling dogs with respiratory illnesses.

As many of the respiratory viruses and bacteria can present with similar symptoms, it is important to note that if your pet is showing increasing signs of disease, it would be recommended to have a test called a respiratory PCR test to confirm the underlying cause.

Vaccines do exist to help with canine influenza virus.  They do not prevent infection; however, they can decrease the degree of illness (like the human flu vaccine).  There are vaccines for both single strains as well as a bivalent strain which protects from both species.  The first flu vaccine will require a booster after 3 weeks, then it is given once yearly thereafter.

Canine influenza is generally treated with the following, depending on severity:

  • Rest – provide a restful environment
  • Eating – stimulate appetite by adding water or chicken broth
  • Hydration – encourage drinking plenty of water
  • Humidification – create a humid environment with humidifier or steam in the shower
  • Antibiotics – in some cases antibiotics will be recommended by your veterinarian

Dogs that go to groomers, dog parks, day care, or are exposed to other dogs on a regular basis should be vaccinated for influenza and kennel cough.  It is recommended to keep your pet away from other animals if you suspect a respiratory disease to be present.  When taking your dog to the veterinarian, you should call ahead and expect to wait in the car so as not to expose healthy pets to illness.

Often your veterinarian can diagnose respiratory illness based on symptoms but will likely recommend bloodwork and radiographs to assess severity.  In cases that present with more severe illness, a respiratory PCR test will likely be recommended to test the specific cause of the respiratory disease.

Dogs can show signs of canine influenza virus generally 2-4 days of exposure.  Dogs are considered contagious 3-4 days prior to onset of symptoms and considered contagious for 7-10 days after symptoms subside.  Generally, most flu cases can cause illness for a 3-to-4-week period.

Many respiratory illnesses are considered contagious, so make sure to isolate your pet at first signs of concerns and monitor closely for any change in clinical signs or symptoms.

If you need advice or recommendations about influenza and the therapy that can help your pet, contact your veterinarian or call Vetsavers Pet Hospital at 972-939-0900.  We are open seven days a week and your pet’s first exam and consultation with one of our veterinarians are free.