Both your puppy and you can get the flu, though the strains of influenza our dog friends get isn’t quite the same as what we get. The two strains of influenza that primarily affect our dogs are H3N8 from horses and H3N2 from birds. Luckily, just like there are vaccines to protect you from the flu, there are vaccines to protect your dog from canine influenza (CIV).
The symptoms of influenza in dogs include coughing, discharge from the nose, fever, loss of appetite and lethargy. The cough associated with canine influenza can last for several weeks and does not respond to antibiotics.
Because many of these symptoms overlap with the symptoms of canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC) or kennel cough, CIV is frequently mistaken for kennel cough. Not all cases of CIV will receive testing. Early in the course of disease, a nasal swab sent to a laboratory may detect CIV. If it’s too late for a nasal swab to detect the virus, CIV testing may be performed by looking at antibody levels in blood samples over the course of several weeks. Your veterinarian will likely want to perform chest x-rays to assess the severity of disease.
Canine influenza is spread through respiratory droplets that are released when an infected dog sneezes or coughs. They can also be passed if an uninfected dog comes into direct contact with an infected dog, as well as on surfaces (including your hands).
Most dogs will recover over time with supportive care that includes keeping them comfortable and well hydrated. Although antibiotics will not treat the flu, they may be prescribed if your dog develops a secondary bacterial infection because of the flu. If pneumonia develops, your pet may need hospitalization with antibiotics, intravenous fluids and supplemental oxygen. Because this virus is highly infectious, infected dogs should be kept away from others during the recovery period.
Most healthy dogs have a mild course of illness and recover from influenza. However, CIV does have a mortality rate of 1% to 5%. Older dogs, dogs with heart or respiratory conditions and flat-faced breeds such as pugs may have an increased risk of severe illness.
The canine influenza vaccine is available to protect your puppy from dog flu. Like the flu vaccine in people, the CIV vaccine doesn’t completely prevent canine flu. However, it may reduce the severity and duration of illness.
Whether the veterinarian recommends a flu vaccine for your puppy depends on your pet’s individual risk, location and lifestyle. If your young dog frequently travels, is kenneled or is in frequent contact with other dogs, the flu vaccine might be appropriate. If there are outbreaks in your area, your veterinarian may also recommend that you consider the vaccine. Lastly, dogs who are at risk, such as older dogs with respiratory disease or heart disease, may benefit from a flu vaccine.
Your veterinarian may recommend at-home nebulization and coupage for your pet with canine influenza to break up lung secretions and help your pet cough them up. Learn how to perform nebulization and coupage at home.
