Symptoms and treatment of influenza in dogs

There are many viral and bacterial causes of cough in dogs. The virus of canine influenza is one of the viral causes of cough in dogs. It is a very contagious respiratory disease that affects thousands of dogs every year. Because the canine flu virus is a fairly new virus, most of the dogs with it have not yet been found. To this infection dogs of any age, breed and with any vaccine status are susceptible.

How can my dog become infected with the canine influenza virus?

The canine influenza virus is easily transmitted from one dog to another by combining aerosol droplets and direct contact with respiratory secretions. The virus does not live in the environment for a long time, therefore dogs are most often infected with this virus, being in close contact with infected dogs.

Which dogs are more likely to be infected with the canine influenza virus?

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

What are the common symptoms of infection with the canine influenza virus?

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

• Cough
• Sneezing
• Variable increase in body temperature
• Transparent discharge from the nose, which then turn into yellow-green mucus
• Accelerated / shortness of breath
• Loss of appetite
• Apathy

Can a dog die by being infected with a canine influenza virus?

If the flu is diagnosed and treated quickly, the mortality rate is low enough. Secondary complications, such as pneumonia, are usually fatal. It is very important that dogs that are sick with the flu receive appropriate veterinary care.

How is infection with the canine influenza virus diagnosed?

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

How is the flu treated in dogs?

Because the canine flu virus is very similar to the virus that causes flu in humans, there are no specific antiviral medications. Nevertheless, supportive therapy and appropriate treatment of concomitant complications are of great importance. Your veterinarian can advise you the following in order to calm your dog until his or her condition improves:

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

It should be borne in mind that although most dogs fight infection within 10-30 days, secondary infections require treatment with antibiotics, and in case of pneumonia, there is a need for hospitalization.

What should I do if it seems to me that my dog has caught a virus of canine influenza?

If you believe that your dog has caught a virus of canine influenza, immediately isolate him or her from other dogs and call your veterinarian.

Can I get canine flu from my dog?

No. There is no data that would indicate that dogs can transmit the virus of canine influenza to humans.

How can I prevent the spread of the flu by my dog?

Any dog infected with the canine influenza virus should be isolated for 10-14 days after the onset of the first symptoms. Most dogs are infectious until the appearance of obvious signs of the disease and continue to secrete viruses for about 10 days. This means that even before the onset of symptoms, other dogs may already be exposed to the risk of infection.

I bring up / work with a lot of dogs. What can you advise me?

The risk of contracting the canine influenza virus is always present. That is why it is important, with the assistance of a veterinarian, to develop an action plan in the event of an outbreak. You in fact want to diagnose and treat this disease accordingly.

• Constantly monitor the symptoms of the disease in dogs and keep medical records.
• Isolate sick animals from healthy ones, especially those who have signs of respiratory diseases.
• After holding the dog in your hands, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• When cleaning an infected dog or cleaning contaminated cells, wear gloves.
• Be careful with antibiotics.
• Remember that the virus of canine influenza in general is a treatable disease.

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