Understanding Canine Flu
Fifteen years ago, vaccinating a dog for influenza wasn’t a topic of discussion. In fact, the first reported case of canine flu didn’t occur until 2004, when a group of race greyhounds in Florida were diagnosed with the virus. Evidence of canine flu has now been found in states all across America, with the only exceptions being in Nebraska, North Dakota, Hawaii, and Alaska.
There are currently two strains of canine flu, H3N8 and H3N2, with no difference in symptoms between the strains. Symptoms include:
- Persistent Coughing with or without the presence of blood
- Bleeding from the nasal cavity
- Lethargy
- Signs of respiratory problems like bronchitis and pneumonia
Influenza is an airborne virus spread by coughing, sneezing, and when in direct contact, saliva. Canine Flu is highly contagious, and dogs that acquire it can experience severe illness and possible fatality. The virus spreads rapidly, and prevalence increases in close knit environments like kennels and shelters. If your dog is exhibiting flu symptoms, do not place your pup in close range environments! Your pet should be immediately isolated from other dogs, and taken to the vet for proper testing.
A diagnoses of Canine Flu requires a swab from the nasal or oral cavity, which is then tested for the H3N8 and H3N2 strains. Diagnosis cannot be based on symptoms alone due to their similarities to other infections, diseases, or conditions. Like human strains, dog flu is non-curable. Dog parents can only provide supportive care to their affected pups, and give veterinarian prescribed antibiotics to treat secondary illnesses such as upper respiratory infections and possibly pneumonia.
Although canine flu has only affected a very small amount of the dog population, prevention is important to keep the virus from becoming an epidemic. Veterinarians are increasing their recommendation of canine flu vaccinations to keep the infection at bay, and protect unaffected dogs from contracting the virus. Overall, dogs don’t have a natural immunity to canine flu, and if not vaccinated, are easily affected when exposed. Vaccinations exist for both strains, and scientists have recently developed bivalent vaccines that protect from both strains with a single injection which should be boostered after 3-4 weeks, then annually.
Owners shouldn’t be fearful of contracting canine flu from their pets. Canine flu is specific to dogs, and is not transmittable to humans. Likewise, humans do not transmit their flu viruses to their canine companions.
Though the chances of your pup contracting the virus is rare, frequent exposure to other dogs increases probability. Normal environments like dog parks, kennels, and even grooming salons, can be incubators of the virus for unvaccinated dogs. Dogs with weaker immune systems like puppies and older dogs are especially vulnerable. Also, Canine Flu isn’t a seasonal illness, so your fur baby can be infected any time of year, making the flu an ongoing possible.
If you’re hesitant about adding another vaccination to the list of your dog’s other injections, keep the long term health of your pet, and the overall dog population in mind. A simple vaccine today, can prevent your dog from a potentially fatal infection tomorrow.
