Influenza in Dogs

Overview and Facts

What is

• Canine Influenza (Flu): An Overview
The canine influenza virus is a highly contagious, newly emerging pathogen in the dog population. The virus appears to have mutated from the equine influenza virus.

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Causes

• Can Dogs or Cats Catch the Flu?
Dogs and Cats do not become ill from to the human Influenza Virus (flu), but can become infected with other feline viruses.

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Prevention

• Preventing Canine Influenza (Flu)
Because of the highly contagious nature of this illness and widespread susceptibility of patients, veterinarians, boarding facilities, shelters and pet stores should institute effective isolation protocol for dogs that have any “kennel-type cough” or undiagnosed pneumonia.

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Symptoms and Types

Symptoms

• Symptoms of Canine Influenza
Symptoms of canine influenza often appear suddenly, and the severity of the symptoms depends on how the virus affected the dog. Many dogs experience mild symptoms of canine influenza such as a persistent cough, which can last for up to three weeks, in addition to yellow-green nasal discharge.

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Diagnosis and Tests

Diagnosis

• Diagnosing Canine Influenza
Canine influenza, also known as dog flu, is a caused by an influenza virus that was unheard of as little as four years ago. It is a highly contagious respiratory infection, and the canine influenza virus is extremely similar to the equine influenza virus.

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Treatment and Care

Treatment

• Treating Canine Influenza
Influenza in dogs was once unheard of. Since an outbreak of canine influenza occurred in the State of Florida in 2004, canine influenza has continued to spread and more and more dogs are diagnosed with it each year. Canine influenza causes a cough for 10 – 30 days, and it is often accompanied by thick nasal discharge.

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