Signs of Canine Influenza

The most common sign of canine influenza is a persistent cough. Some dogs have a moist “productive” cough, while others have a dry cough similar to that seen in dogs with kennel cough – a respiratory condition that is caused by any number of other viruses and bacteria. It’s this similarity to kennel cough that makes it hard to diagnose which illness your dog has.

About 80% of dogs who show signs of influenza will have mild disease. Signs in this case include a low-grade fever, nasal discharge, lack of energy, loss of appetite and a cough that can last for up to a month.

Canine influenza is usually mild but can become quite serious in some dogs. In about 20% of the cases, more severe signs will occur, such as high fever and pneumonia. A small number of dogs have died from complications associated with the disease.

 Contagious

Just like human “flu,” canine influenza is highly contagious. In fact, unless a dog has already had the flu and recovered, virtually every dog exposed to the virus will become infected. This is because the virus is relatively new and dogs have no natural immunity to it. While 100% of dogs are susceptible to influenza infection, about 80% of infected dogs will show signs.  Dogs that do not show signs of the disease can still spread the infection.

Canine influenza spreads the same way that human flu spreads – through direct contact (kissing, licking, nuzzling), through the air (coughing and sneezing), and on contaminated surfaces (such as when a person picks up the virus on their hands or clothing, then touches or pets a dog). Spread can also occur if that same person touches and contaminates another surface.

H3N8 Canine Influenza is not transmissible to humans or cats.

Risk Factors

Most dogs, regardless of breed or age are at risk for canine influenza. However, certain venues and activities can raise your dog’s risk of canine influenza infection eve higher. Review this list of factors to see if any of these places or activities applies to your pet:

• Boarding at a kennel or doggie daycare
• Grooming
• Group training classes
• Dog parks or engage with other dogs on daily walks
• Contact with other dogs in the waiting room at the vet’s

Treatment

There is currently no specific treatment for canine influenza. As with all viral illnesses, the disease must run its course. Supportive care, such as providing a good diet and making sure your dog’s body has enough fluids, can help your dog fight the infection. A little extra tender loving care can also go a long way.

Sometimes canine influenza infections can become complicated by secondary bacterial infections. One sign of this is a yellow-green, thick nasal discharge, which may be treated with appropriate antibiotics. The coughing that comes with influenza is actually the body’s way of getting rid of the virus. If the cough is moist and productive, do not try to stop it with a cough suppressant. Human “flu” medicines should not be given to your dog because they have not been studied or approved for use in dogs, and may not be safe or effective.

Protection

Protection starts by keeping your dog in good general health. A well rested and well cared for pet will have a stronger immune system to help fight off infection. When you must board your pet, make sure the facility is clean and well maintained.

Vaccine

There is new vaccine that was approved earlier this year in the US. This is the first vaccine approved for Canine Influenza. It should not be confused with the Parainfluenza vaccine, which is a different viral disease and one of the causes of Kennel Cough.

The H3N8 vaccine has been clinically proven to reduce the severity of influenza and the length of time that a dog is sick. 

Recommendations

H3N8 Influenza has been implicated in major outbreaks in Maryland and Northern Virginia. So far, there have been no major outbreaks in the immediate Frederick area.

Old Farm Veterinary Hospital recommends vaccination with the Canine Influenza vaccine for all dogs that have one or more of the risk factors listed above. Vaccination is not currently required for dog’s staying at the Kennels or Grooming at Old Farm. However, vaccination is recommended and available at the pet owner’s option.

If you would like to have your dog protected, it is smart to plan ahead. First vaccination requires 2 doses that are given two to four weeks apart. Full protection cannot be assured until about 7-10 days after the second vaccine. Revaccination is performed annually 

Origin of Canine Influenza

Canine H3N8 Influenza was first reported in early 2004 among racing greyhounds in Florida. It is thought to have jumped species from horse to dog.

Greyhounds in the initial outbreaks seemed to suffer a higher rate of  severe symptoms and complications than has been seen in outbreaks throughout the US since then.