CANINE INFLUENZA (DOG FLU)

Canine influenza, commonly known as dog flu, is a contagious upper respiratory infection caused by a highly infectious strain of influenza virus. Like human flu, it can be transmitted from one animal to another via airborne transmission of respiratory droplets, by direct contact with an object that has come into contact with an infected dog’s respiratory tract and by being in proximity to an infected dog.

Most dogs will experience mild to moderately severe symptoms. However, dogs who fall under a high risk category can develop serious complications. These categories include puppies, older dogs and immunocompromised dogs. Recognizing early on whether your dog is showing signs of dog flu, taking them to see their veterinarian and following recommended preventative procedures can decrease the risk of contracting Canine influenza or lessen its severity.

Causes

Canine Influenza is caused by Influenza A viruses that have mutated to specifically target dogs. There are two primary types of strains that are primarily responsible for causing dog flu. They are the H3N8 and H3N2.

How Canine Influenza Spreads

This virus is primarily transmitted through respiratory secretions from an infected dog while they are coughing, sneezing, barking, or performing other forms of oral/nasal discharge. This virus can also be transmitted through indirect contact with items that contain an infected dog’s respiratory secretions, i.e., food and water dishes, toys, leashes, bedding, etc., as well as through the hands of humans who come into contact with these products.

There are several locations where dogs are at greater risk of developing canine influenza due to the concentration of animals. Some of these areas include:

• Boarding facilities
• Dog Parks
• Shelters
• Grooming Facilities
• Training Centers.

Symptoms

Canine Influenza is generally considered to be a relatively mild illness for most dogs. However, it can still cause significant distress and potentially serious complications depending upon the individual dog’s overall health, age and previous exposure to other diseases.

Common symptoms include:

• Persistent cough
• Sneezing
• Nasal discharge
• Eye discharge
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy and reduced activity
• Difficulty breathing in severe cases
• Muscle soreness or discomfort

Risks and Complications

Many otherwise healthy adult dogs will recover from canine influenza if they receive adequate medical care. However, some potential complications can develop in canine influenza infected dogs.

One of the major concerns about developing a secondary bacterial infection is that it could worsen their existing respiratory symptoms, leading to pneumonia. Dogs with pre existing disease or condition, very young puppies, senior dogs and those with an impaired immune system have an increased risk for a more serious outcome.

Some possible complications that can arise due to canine influenza are:

• Pneumonia
• Difficulty breathing
• Dehydration
• Protracted coughing
• Decreased immune response

While death due to canine influenza is rare, severe cases can result in mortality without proper medical intervention.

Diagnoses

Canine influenza diagnoses are made based on clinical signs, history of exposure and physical examination by your veterinarian.

Because many respiratory diseases present with similar symptoms in dogs, your veterinarian may recommend testing to confirm that your dog has contracted the virus. Your veterinarian may recommend one or more of the following Diagnostic tests:

Diagnostic testing

PCR Test

This test detects viral genetic material from either a nasal swab or throat swab and is most commonly utilized in the first few days after contraction of the virus.

Blood Work

These blood work panels may provide valuable information about your dog’s overall health and help identify potential complications.

Chest X-Ray

A chest X-ray may be recommended to determine whether your dog has developed pneumonia.

Treatment

There is currently no single drug that will eliminate the canine flu virus. The main focus of treatment is to support your dog’s immune system while preventing complications.

Supportive care

The supportive treatments mentioned above include:

• Rest and reduction of physical activity
• Adequate fluid intake
• Nutritional support
• Medication to control fever or alleviate pain
• Cough suppressants if indicated

If a secondary bacterial infection develops, your vet will likely prescribe an antibiotic.

Isolation and Monitoring

Separating your dog from other dogs and monitoring its breathing, eating habits and level of energy during recovery are also very important.

Most dogs recover within 2-3 weeks; however, some may experience coughing for longer periods of time.

Prevention

One of the best methods to limit your dog’s chance of contracting canine flu is to avoid exposing them to this contagious virus.

Vaccination

Currently, there are vaccines available for some types of canine flu. These vaccinations may be recommended for dogs at greater risk for exposure to this virus (for example, boarding facilities, dog parks, etc.) due to their frequent visits.

It is essential to note that vaccination against Canine Flu does not ensure complete protection from the disease. However, these vaccines have been shown to help decrease the severity and duration of symptoms associated with canine flu.

Hygiene and Infection Control

Maintaining good hygiene practices is extremely important in environments where multiple dogs are present.

• Avoid contact with sick dogs
• Wash hands after handling unfamiliar animals
• Clean food bowls, toys and bedding regularly
• Keep infected dogs isolated as advised by a veterinarian