What To Expect At The Vets Office
After your dog has been diagnosed with the flu, your veterinarian will determine whether hospitalization is required. Severely affected dogs may need to stay at the veterinary clinic to receive oxygen therapy, injectable antibiotics, and to be closely monitored for a worsening in their ability to breathe. Some dogs may also receive medications that dilate their airways, thin mucus, or ease their cough.
Nebulization and coupage can also help dogs cough up and eliminate thick secretions that block their airways. Anti-viral medications are generally not recommended since they work best early in the course of the disease, before most dogs are brought to the veterinarian.
Once dogs with H3N2 are stable enough to continue their treatment at home, they can be discharged from the hospital.
What Are The Signs Of Canine Influenza When Should I Suspect Canine Influenza Rather Than Kennel Cough And When Should I Take My Dog To The Veterinarian
“The symptoms of canine influenza are similar to the human flu: cough, runny nose, and fever.”
The symptoms of canine influenza are similar to the human flu: cough, runny nose, and fever. The most common clinical sign associated with canine influenza is a cough that does not respond to antibiotic or cough suppressant therapy, and lasts 10-21 days. This cough may be productive or non-productive , and may be associated with reduced appetite and lethargy. The majority of dogs infected with canine influenza will display mild clinical signs. Dogs infected with the H3N2 strain of canine influenza appear to be at greater risk of developing more severe clinical signs.
The CI virus is virtually identical to other respiratory infections such as kennel cough. In fact, many cases of CIV may be mistaken as kennel cough or other infections in the canine infectious respiratory disease complex because of these similarities. Because of the difficulty in distinguishing canine influenza from CIRD, any dog with these clinical signs should be seen by a veterinarian.
Older dogs and dogs with heart and respiratory conditions are at particular risk for CIV. Dogs with short, flat faces , such as Boston Terriers, Boxers, Pekingese, Pugs, and Shih Tzus, are also at higher risk.
How Long Are Dogs Infected With Flu Are Contagious
Canine influenza incubation lasts from 2 to 4 days after initial contact with the dog flu virus. Viral shedding begins to diminish after the fourth day, although dogs infected with H3N8 can be infectious for up to 10 days after exposure, while dogs infected with H3N2 can be contagious for up to 26 days. To limit the danger of transmission, most veterinarians recommend isolating dogs infected with H3N2 for at least 21 days.
Almost all dogs who come into touch with the disease will get infected, however, not all affected dogs will display signs of the infection. Although 20-25 percent of sick dogs are asymptomatic, they can still spread the illness. If one of your canine pals gets the flu but the other appears unscathed, keep in mind that he might still be infected. Consult your veterinarian regarding quarantine protocols for any pets in your home.
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What Is Cdc Doing About Canine Influenza
Current CDC influenza virus regulations apply only to viruses with pandemic potential in people. However, CDC is doing a number of things to be prepared in the unlikely event that canine influenza becomes a threat to humans or to animals other than canines. First, CDC continues to conduct year-round surveillance for seasonal and novel influenza A viruses and all human infections with novel influenza A viruses are fully investigated. Human infection with a novel influenza A virus of animal origin is reportable to CDC no human infections with canine influenza viruses have been reported to date. Second, CDC and USDA APHIS VS have existing collaborative protocols to work together in the event of outbreaks of novel influenza A viruses. These same protocols would be followed in the event of an outbreak of canine influenza with suspected human infections. Third, CDC conducted a risk assessment on the pandemic potential of canine H3N2 viruses using the Influenza Risk Assessment Tool, and found it to be low risk.
Can Dogs Get Allergies
Yes, dogs can get allergies. But its unlikely that your dogs cold-like symptoms would stem from an allergy. Dogs can have adverse reactions to all sorts of things, including certain foods, fleas and ticks, mould, other animals and hay fever. Typical allergic reactions in dogs tend to focus on itching and gnawing behaviours, or digestive issues, and will not usually follow any of the symptoms that you might associate with a cold. This allergic reaction is called Canine Atopy and you can find out more about it HERE.
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Other Influenza Type A Viruses
Several other influenza viruses may infect dogs and cause clinical signs, but they have not been demonstrated to spread among dogs. Awareness of these agents is important to understand the multispecies nature, and adaptive potential, of influenza A viruses.
H1N1, colloquially known as the swine flu, caused a pandemic in humans from 2009 to 2010. In 2009, H1N1 was detected in a dog with respiratory signs in New York this dog had apparently contracted the disease from its owner.11 A recent serologic study in Ohio showed that 4% of dogs in a convenience sample of 1082 dogs showed seroconversion to H1N1, presumed to be due to exposure to humans with this infection.12
H5N1 is a highly pathogenic avian influenza strain that has been shown to infect dogs exposed to infected poultry in high-density housing conditions. Equine H3N8 has also been known to sporadically infect dogs.
Can Dogs Get Colds
If your dogs looking under the weather you may be wondering whether dogs can catch a cold. The answer is yes, dogs can get colds. But they arent quite the same as human coldsin fact theyre completely different viruses, so you cannot pass a cold from human to dog or vice versa.
Dogs can suffer from a common canine cold and, just like humans, and the symptoms of a dog cold can range from mild to severe. In this guide, well give you a helping hand to spot the signs and tell the difference between a mild dog cold, the slightly more serious canine flu and the infamous kennel cough.
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Canine Flu Symptoms May Include:
- Persistent cough
- Nasal discharge not just your dogs normal wet nose
- Fever
- Eye discharge look for goopy, mucus-like discharge or a noticeable increase if your dog normally has eye discharge
- Reduced appetite
- Reduced activity, lethargy
Its important to recognize the symptoms of dog flu so you can seek treatment for your pet quickly.
Treating Your Dog For The Flu
Because dog flu is a viral illness, treatment consists mainly of supportive care, which can include the administration of fluids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to reduce fever, and possibly antibiotics if a secondary infection develops. Good nutrition is always important, and something you should discuss with your veterinarian. Most dogs will recover within 23 weeks. Secondary bacterial infections can take longer to clear up, and may require additional testing and treatment.
In order to prevent transmission of the virus, an infected dog should be quarantined how long depends on which strain was contracted. Your vet should also be able to recommend a disinfectant solution to help kill the virus in your home.
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What Are The Benefits And Risks Of The Canine Influenza Vaccine Which Dogs Should Get It
The decision to use any vaccine is based on each individuals risk and lifestyle. Indoor dogs with little exposure to other dogs are at less risk than show dogs that travel, or dogs that are kenneled or encounter other dogs frequently. Owners that live in areas where outbreaks are occurring should also consider vaccinating their dogs against canine influenza. Cases have been identified in most states and the District of Columbia and in some provinces in Canada. Owners of older dogs with respiratory or heart disease and breeds with short, flat faces should also consider vaccination due to higher risk for infection and complications. There have been no reported issues with the CIV vaccination to date.
“Vaccination against canine flu should be considered for any at-risk breed, dogs with heart or respiratory conditions, dogs that travel or show, and those that have extensive contact with other dogs.”
It is important to note that the CIV vaccine cannot completely prevent the disease. It may, however, reduce the severity and duration of clinical signs associated with infection. This is especially important in at-risk dogs and to help reduce the spread of outbreaks.
Talk to your veterinarian to determine if vaccinating against canine influenza is right for your dog.
Can Canine Influenza Viruses Infect People
In general, canine influenza viruses are thought to pose a low threat to people. To date, there is no evidence of spread of canine influenza viruses from dogs to people and there has not been a single reported case of human infection with a canine influenza virus in the U.S. or worldwide. In 2016, CDC used the Influenza Risk Assessment Tool to evaluate the potential pandemic risk of canine influenza H3N2 viruses and found it to be low.
However, influenza viruses are constantly changing and it is possible that a canine influenza virus could change so that it could infect people and spread easily between people. Human infections with novel influenza A viruses against which the human population has little immunity are concerning when they occur because of the potential that a pandemic could result. For this reason, the World Health Organization global surveillance system has led to detection of human infections by novel influenza A viruses of animal-origin , but to date, no human infections with canine influenza A viruses have been identified.
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How Long Are Dogs With Canine Influenza Contagious To Other Dogs
The time between the first exposure to a dog with dog flu and when that dog begins showing signs is about 2-4 days. The virus begins shedding right away and the infected dog remains contagious for up to 10 days after exposure to H3N8, while dogs with H3N2 remain contagious for up to 26 days. Veterinarians recommend isolating or keeping infected dogs away from other dogs for a minimum of 21 days to decrease the risk of spreading the virus.
Approximately 20-25% of infected dogs will show no symptoms but can still spread the virus.
Dogs with heart and lung problems, senior dogs, and brachycephalic breeds such as Boston Terriers, Boxers, Pekingese, Pugs, and Shih Tzus have increased risk for CIV and may develop life-threatening pneumonia or lung infection. These dogs have an increased risk for serious complications, including death, and must therefore be treated right away. Treatment may include intensive care with oxygen support, fluid therapy, antibiotics, and more.
What Are The Symptoms Of Dog Cold And Flu: Guide To Cure
The common cold is a fact of life, though it is rarely deadly. Dogs, on the other hand? Do they catch a cold from time to time?
Dogs, like humans, can get colds and flus that cause them to sneeze and sniffle. Although your dog may have a cold, it could also be a sign of a more serious illness, like pneumonia.
Seasonal colds and flu are taking over schools and workplaces this time of year. Everyone seems to be carrying tissues and taking a few days off from work or school. We wonder if and how our pets become infected with the same viruses that affect humans during the winter. Is it possible for dogs and cats to get the flu?
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Is Dog Flu Contagious
Canine influenza is highly contagious to other dogs and is transmitted through the air.
This airborne virus can be conveyed through secretions in another dogs cough or sneeze and can even be transmitted through drinking bowls or on the hands or clothes of another dogs owner.
This means that if your friend is at the dog park and has come in contact with an infected dog, they can transmit the flu to your dog at home, even though your dog was not present at the dog park that day.
Unfortunately, dogs are most contagious during the incubation period of dog flu, which is roughly two to four days before symptoms begin to show. However, dogs with dog flu can still be contagious up to ten days after their initial exposure to the virus.
Some good news is that while canine influenza is contagious to dogs, there are no documented cases showing that the dog flu can be transmitted to humans.
How Is Canine Flu Spread
The canine influenza virus is easy to transmit. CIV is spread through respiratory secretions and contaminated objects such as kennel walls and floors, food and water bowls, collars and leashes, and on the clothing and skin of people who come in contact with infected dogs. CIV can survive on skin and hands for 12 hours, on clothing for 24 hours, and on surfaces for up to 48 hours. There is no ‘season’ for the canine influenza virus, and infections may occur year round.
“The canine influenza virus can survive on skin and hands for 12 hours, on clothing for 24 hours, and on surfaces for up to 48 hours.”
It takes about 2 to 4 days for clinical signs to develop after contact with the virus. Infected dogs are most contagious during this incubation period before symptoms occur, making rapid transmission likely. Infected dogs continue to spread the virus for up to 20 days.
Because canine influenza is a new disease for dogs, all dogs are susceptible to infection. There is no naturally acquired, or other immunity. This means that if your dog is exposed to the virus, there is a high probability that it will become infected and develop clinical signs. Approximately 20-25% of infected dogs may have a subclinical infection, and show no signs of illness, but remain contagious and will spread the virus. Although most infected dogs will only develop a mild form of canine influenza and recover without complications, some dogs may develop severe, life-threatening pneumonia.
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Observe For Any Signs Of An Outbreak
It is one of the best ways to keep an eye out for dog flu outbreaks in your neighborhood.
Any health issues you should be aware of should be brought to your local veterinarian, who can tell you whether your dog needs additional vaccinations, what areas you should avoid, and if it needs to be kept inside for a period of time.
Canine Influenza And Cats
In early 2016, a group of cats in an Indiana shelter were infected with H3N2 canine influenza . The findings suggested that cat-to-cat transmission was possible. Cats infected with H3N2 canine influenza show symptoms of upper respiratory illness, including a runny nose, congestion, malaise, lip smacking and excessive salivation.
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What To Expect At Home
Most cases of H3N2 flu in dogs can be treated at home. Supportive care is critical to a dogs recovery. Dogs should be encouraged to eat, drink, and rest. If your dog is taking oral antibiotics, make sure to follow the instructions written on the label and give the entire course, even if your dogs condition appears to be back to normal. Follow your veterinarians instructions regarding any other medications that have been prescribed.
Dogs who have been diagnosed with H3N2 flu should be isolated from other dogs for 14 days to prevent spread of the disease.
Recovery And Management Of Dog Flu
During your dogs recovery from canine influenza, ensure he is drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Since its so contagious, its best to quarantine your dog until hes no longer contagious this is especially true for people who have more than one dog.
If a trip to the vet is required, the best way to prevent other dogs from contracting the virus is to either remain outside or in the car until the vet is ready to see you. You can also inquire as to whether there is a separate entrance you can use to ensure your dog doesnt cross paths with any other animal there.
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How Is Canine Influenza Transmitted
Canine influenza is an airborne disease and is transmitted through droplets or aerosols containing respiratory secretions from barking, sneezing or coughing.This flu also spreads via contaminated objects and places such as collars, water bowls, kennels, or people who have been in contact with dogs already infected with such viruses.
Areas like kennels, daycare centers like grooming parlors, and dog parks can also be infected via these viruses.The canine influenza virus can remain alive on surfaces for up to 48 hours on clothing for 24 hours and on hands for 12 hours.
Incubation Period
Dogs infected with the H3N8 virus have an incubation period of 1 to 5 days with symptoms appearing 2 to 3 days after the exposure. The H3N2 virus may start showing symptoms between 2 to 8 days after the exposure.Almost all dogs who come in contact with such a virus will contract it, but not all of them will show symptoms of infection.
How Dangerous Is The Dog Flu
The good news is that 20-25% of the infected dogs are asymptomatic and show no flu symptoms. The bad news is that nearly all dogs that get in contact with the virus will get infected. Those are scientific facts that were confirmed with experiments in different laboratories throughout the world.
Most cases of canine influenza are not that serious. Dogs will show light or mild symptoms, and the disease will pass after some time. However, there are worse cases where dogs experience substantial health issues and extremely uncomfortable symptoms. The worst of the worst scenarios can end with dogs developing pneumonia, high fever, and have difficulty breathing.
Less than 10% of dog flu cases end up having fatal consequences, which is quite a large number in our opinion. You should visit your vet as soon as you start noticing influenza symptoms.
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