Canine Influenza or Dog Flu
Can your dog get the flu? Unfortunately, the answer is “yes”, but not the same flu from which you and I suffer. Dogs generally get a different strain of the flu, most commonly H3N8. This spring, Chicago veterinarians reported an outbreak of a new stain of Canine Influenza Virus (CIV), the (H3N2) strain- the first reporting of this strain outside of Asia. At the Animal Hospital at Thorndale, our doctors keep a watchful eye out for this very contagious disease. Read more about what you can do to prevent your dog from catching the flu, or what to do if your dog becomes ill.
Canine influenza virus (CIV) is a highly contagious virus, easily spread between dogs who have close contact to one another in puppy parks, daycare, kennels, shelters and other places where dogs gather. It is not thought to be transmissible to humans. It is easily passed between dogs by coughing/sneezing, contaminated surfaces, bowls, collars/leashes and by people working with infected dogs. Dogs of any breed, age, sex or health status are at risk of infection. Unlike the seasonal outbreaks of human flu, the dog flu seems to be a year round disease.
Dog flu, caused by the CIV (H3N8) was first discovered in 2004 and until 2015 was the only strain of Canine Influenza Virus in the United States. As with any virus there are newer stains emerging. Similar to human flu vaccines, having the correct canine flu vaccine available for the correct flu virus will always be challenging.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Canine Influenza Virus
As with people, when our canine friends are infected with the flu virus they will show typical flu-like symptoms. These symptoms maybe mild or severe and typically develop within a week of exposure. Dogs may develop a persistent cough, thick nasal discharge, fever, listlessness, decreased appetite, and an eye discharge. These symptoms are identical to those seen in “Kennel Cough” or Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis, which is most commonly caused by a bacteria (Bordatella bronchiseptica), which would respond to antibiotics. Similar to in people, viral infections, such as flu, do not respond to antibiotics, but fortunately most canine influenza infections are self-limiting. Most normal otherwise healthy dogs will recover from Canine Influenza in 2-3 weeks. Debilitated, very young and older dogs can certainly have a much more difficult time with the flu and may require supportive care. Some dogs will require antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections that cause pneumonia and more serious illness. If your dog is showing any flu-like signs, please call us at 610-873-4091 so a proper diagnosis can be made and treatment can be begun.
Veterinarians can often diagnose canine influenza virus infection by using nasal or throat swabs. This diagnosis can be made as early as 2-4 days after a known exposure, even before the dog is showing signs of illness. However, the most accurate test requires a blood test during the first week (day 7) of illness and a second sample the second week (day 14).
Transmission and Prevention of Canine Influenza
If you think your dog has been exposed to CIV, he or she may not show signs of illness initially; but, it is in this first 2-4 days after exposure that they are the most contagious (incubation period). Studies show that almost all dogs exposed to the virus will become infected and 80% of the infected dogs will show flu-like symptoms. The mortality (death) rate is less than 10%, being highest in the most susceptible age groups (very young or very old) and dogs with other illnesses. If you suspect exposure or infection, keeping your dog at home or separated from others for 7-14 day period will help limit the spread of the virus.
You can also help protect your canine friends and decrease the spread of CIV with good sanitation. Good old soap and water and common disinfectants will kill the virus. Clean all bedding, bowls, toys and shared items. The influenza virus typically lasts only 48 hours in the environment.
The good news is there is a vaccine against the Canine Influenza Virus (H3N8) strain. At this time it is not known whether the current vaccine for the H3N8 strain will provide protection against this new strain (H3N2). However, the current vaccine may aid in reducing the severity and duration of the illness, as well as the length of time that virus shedding occurs. Newer vaccines may be developed as the flu strains evolve.
Our doctors are carefully tracking the spread of canine influenza cases throughout the United States. At present, Canine Influenza has not become a major local problem in the Downingtown, PA, area, but that could certainly change very quickly. If you are traveling with your dog to a region with an outbreak, we recommend vaccinating with the currently available vaccine. We will discuss with you the risks and benefits of vaccinating dogs who have a “very social life” or who go to kennels and groomers. Our doctors and staff are here to answer your questions and concerns about this emerging disease.