Canine Influenza: What You Need to Know About the Dog Flu
Key takeaways:
Canine influenza is spread from dog to dog by a virus, and it’s highly contagious.
Most cases of canine influenza will resolve with supportive treatment. But occasionally dogs can experience complications and may need additional veterinary care.
The canine influenza vaccine can give your dog additional protection. It may be a good idea if your dog often interacts with other dogs or goes to areas that other dogs visit.
If your dog comes down with a cough and seems a little under the weather, you might first think they have kennel cough. But your dog could actually be sick with canine influenza (CIV).
Just like the flu spreads from human to human, canine influenza can spread from dog to dog. Symptoms can vary in severity, and the care that your dog needs can vary, too. Since canine influenza is so contagious, it’s important to learn about this disease so you can minimize your dog’s risk.
What is canine influenza (the dog flu)?
Canine influenza, also called the dog flu, is caused by a virus. There are two viral strains that affect dogs: H3N8 and H3N2. These viruses are different from the seasonal flu viruses that affect people each year. Dogs who are infected with either strain of the dog flu often experience a respiratory infection.
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Symptoms of canine influenza
Canine influenza symptoms are similar to kennel cough symptoms. Pups with dog flu may have the following:
Persistent cough
Fever, often ranging from 104℉ to 105℉
Thick nasal discharge
Eye discharge
Lethargy, or not as active as usual
Less of an appetite than normal
The severity of symptoms can vary, too. Some dogs may get very sick while others may have milder forms of the illness.
It’s also possible for some infected dogs to show no symptoms. Unfortunately, these dogs can still be contagious and spread canine influenza to other dogs.
While most dogs recover from the flu without issue, canine influenza can be fatal in less than 10% of affected dogs.
How do dogs get canine influenza?
Dogs get canine influenza when they come into contact with the flu virus. Canine influenza is very contagious, according to Brian Bourquin, DVM, chief medical officer for Boston Veterinary Clinic.
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It can easily spread from one infected dog to another through sneezing and licking. It can also be spread when a dog comes into contact with the virus on contaminated surfaces, like food and water bowls.
Can canine influenza be spread to cats or people?
At this time, there is no evidence that dogs can transmit the virus to humans.
There is evidence that dog flu can be transmitted from a dog to a cat. But it’s rare. If cats do get dog flu, they typically experience a mild form of the virus.
How do vets test for canine influenza?
According to Dr. Bourquin, a respiratory test using a nasal swab can confirm if your dog has canine influenza. Confirming your dog’s diagnosis allows your vet to recommend the best treatment.
How is canine influenza treated?
Just like humans with the flu, dogs with canine influenza need lots of fluids and rest. Since canine influenza is a virus, many dogs recover from the virus on their own without medical intervention.
Additional “treatment is very much a case-by-case basis,” says Dr. Bourquin. “It [canine flu] can often be treated by supportive therapy or antibiotics. In very rare cases, it results in hospitalization or oxygen treatment.”
Dogs with canine influenza may develop pneumonia and may need to be hospitalized. You should call your vet right away if your dog is unusually lethargic, stops eating, has difficulty breathing, or seems to breathe unusually quickly.
How long does the dog flu last?
Most dogs recover from the dog flu within 2 weeks. But your dog can still be contagious for up to 4 weeks after getting the flu.
If you have other dogs or cats at home, then you will need to keep all of them isolated for 4 weeks. This precaution can help to prevent them from spreading the flu to other pets.
If you have multiple dogs in your home, clean and disinfect objects that your sick dog has come into contact with, like food dishes. Anyone who comes into contact with your dog should also wash their hands with soap and water to avoid spreading the virus to other dogs.
Vaccinating your dog against canine influenza
Vaccination can help protect your dog from canine influenza. Currently, the influenza vaccine is considered an optional, non-core vaccine for dogs.
Bourquin explains that canine influenza vaccines are still relatively new and were developed just a few years ago. “The majority of boarding facilities do not require these vaccines,” he says.
Your vet can help you to determine your dog’s risk factors for contracting canine influenza so you can decide if it’s right to vaccinate your dog. Since the dog flu is transmitted by dogs who come into contact with each other, dogs who visit communal areas are at an increased risk.
If your dog visits the following locations, definitely discuss their lifestyle and risk with your vet:
Boarding facilities
Doggy daycare
A grooming facility
Dog parks
Dog shows
Pet stores
Training classes
Canine influenza vaccine side effects
Like other vaccines, the canine influenza vaccine can cause side effects. These are usually mild and temporary.
“Any vaccine has the potential for side effects, although the purity and technology of today’s vaccines makes that extremely rare,” says Dr. Bourquin.
Common vaccine side effects in dogs include:
Swelling around the injection side
Lower activity levels or appetite
Mild fever
The bottom line
Just like the human flu, the dog flu is highly contagious and can leave your best friend feeling lousy. While many dogs will get better with supportive care, some dogs may need extra veterinary help to recover.
Vaccines can help to give your dog extra protection against the flu. If your dog often interacts with other dogs, it’s a good idea to talk with your vet to see if you should get your dog vaccinated for canine influenza.
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References
American Animal Hospital Association. (2020). Canine influenza: Updates and current trends.
American Animal Hospital Association. (2022). 2022 AAHA core and noncore vaccines for dogs.
American Veterinary Medical Association. (n.d). Canine influenza: Pet owner’s guide.
American Veterinary Medical Association. (n.d). What to expect after your pet’s vaccination.
Bever, L. (2022). Canine influenza is spreading. Here is how to protect your pup. The Washington Post.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Key facts about canine influenza (dog flu).
Kuehn, N. F. (2022). Canine influenza (flu). Merck Manual Veterinary Manual.
The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center. (n.d.). Information for dog owners regarding canine influenza.
University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. (n.d.). For pet owners: H3N2 canine influenza virus fact sheet.
University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. (n.d.). For veterinarians: H3N2 canine influenza virus fact sheet.
