Canine Influenza and Your Dog

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     Did you know your dog can get the flu? It is called canine influenza or dog flu and is caused by the H3N8 virus. This virus was originally found only in horses and has been around for several decades. However, around 2004 the virus jumped from horses to dogs and it wasn't long until the virus began to spread from dog to dog.

Most cases of the dog flu are not life threatening, although some dogs may come down with a serious set of symptoms. Typically, dogs develop a fever, cough, and runny nose. Some dogs harbor the dog flu virus and don't even have any symptoms yet they can pass the illness to other dogs. This virus is spreading fast among dogs and according to the CDC; nearly 80 percent of all dogs will acquire it. Some dogs, especially those in poor health, may develop complications like pneumonia, but most dogs will have a mild form of the disease.

There is a vaccine available to protect your dog from the dog flu and a public information campaign has been waged to make dog owner's aware of it. If your dog does get the flu, the usual course of treatment is to simply offer supportive care, much like with humans who have the flu. That includes giving him plenty of fluids and medicine to make him feel more comfortable. Sometimes antibiotics may be prescribed but they are not always needed.

The dog flu is spread from dog to dog through secretions from infected dogs. The microbes can be passed from an infected dog to your dog through contaminated objects and people. If your dog catches the flu or is coughing and you suspect the flu, it is best to keep him at home until he gets better.

If you take your dog to the dog park or area where he can leave secretions behind, he could infect another dog. While most dogs will get over the infection without too much fuss, other dogs could develop serious complications so you don't want to be the cause of that. You should also keep in mind that your dog could pick up the virus any time he comes in contact with other dogs or places they have been. You might want to consider giving your dog the flu vaccine so you don't have to worry about him getting sick.

So far, the dog flu has not been proven to infect people. So while people can transfer it from dog to dog, you don't have to worry about getting sick yourself. So if your dog does come down with the flu, you don't have to avoid him. Lavish him with love and care so he feels a little better while he is recovering.

If your dog is coughing or seems to be under the weather and he has not had the dog flu vaccine, you should call your vet for advice. He can run diagnostic tests on your dog's secretions that will determine if your dog does have the flu. Since the flu carries the risk of serious complications, even though they aren't common, it is a good idea to let your vet examine your dog and prescribe the course of care.