Symptoms and treatment of influenza in dogs

There are many viral and bacterial causes of coughing in dogs. Canine influenza virus is one of the viral causes of coughing in dogs. It is a highly contagious respiratory disease that affects thousands of dogs each year. Since canine influenza virus is a relatively new virus, most dogs have not encountered it yet. Dogs of any age, breed, and vaccination status are susceptible to this infection.

How can my dog get canine influenza virus?

The canine influenza virus is easily transmitted from one dog to another through a combination of aerosolized droplets and direct contact with respiratory secretions. The virus does not survive long in the environment, so dogs most often become infected with the virus through close contact with infected dogs.

Which dogs are more susceptible to infection with the canine influenza virus?

Any dog that interacts with a large number of dogs has an increased risk of contracting the canine influenza virus. There is currently no vaccine that can protect dogs from this virus.

What are the common symptoms of canine influenza virus infection?

Although most dogs with the flu develop typical respiratory symptoms, a small percentage develop severe disease. Symptoms of canine influenza virus infection include:

• Cough
• Sneezing
• Variable increase in body temperature
• Clear nasal discharge that turns into yellow-green mucus
• Rapid/labored breathing
• Loss of appetite
• Apathy

Can a dog die from canine influenza virus infection?

If influenza is diagnosed and treated quickly, the mortality rate is quite low. Secondary complications such as pneumonia usually cause death. It is important that dogs with influenza receive appropriate veterinary care.

How is canine influenza virus infection diagnosed?

To diagnose the disease, veterinarians typically perform a thorough physical examination and a series of laboratory tests.

How is flu treated in dogs?

Because the canine influenza virus is so similar to the virus that causes influenza in humans, there are no specific antiviral medications. However, supportive care and appropriate treatment of associated complications are important. Your veterinarian may recommend the following to help reassure your dog until his or her condition improves:

• Good nutrition and nutritional supplements to boost immunity
• Organize a warm, calm and comfortable place to relax
• Medicines for the treatment of secondary bacterial complications
• Intravenous administration of solutions to maintain water-salt balance
• Diagnosis and treatment of pneumonia

It is important to note that although most dogs fight off the infection within 10-30 days, secondary infections require antibiotic treatment and, in the case of pneumonia, hospitalization may be necessary.

What should I do if I think my dog has the canine flu virus?

If you think your dog has been infected with the canine influenza virus, isolate him or her from other dogs immediately and call your veterinarian.

Can I get dog flu from my dog?

No. There is no evidence that dogs can transmit canine influenza virus to people.

How can I prevent my dog from spreading the flu?

Any dog infected with canine influenza virus should be isolated for 10-14 days from the onset of symptoms. Dogs are most infectious before they show obvious signs of illness and continue to shed viruses for about 10 days. This means that other dogs may already be at risk of infection before symptoms appear.

I raise/work with a lot of dogs. What advice can you give me?

There is always a risk of exposure to the canine flu virus. That is why it is important to develop a plan of action with the help of your veterinarian in case of an outbreak. You will want to diagnose and treat the disease appropriately.

• Monitor your dog regularly for signs of illness and keep medical records.
• Isolate sick animals from healthy ones, especially those showing signs of respiratory disease.
• After handling a dog, wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
• Wear gloves when handling an infected dog or cleaning contaminated cages.
• Be careful when using antibiotics.
• Please remember that canine influenza virus is generally a treatable disease.

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