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"My dog can get the flu?"
Canine Influenza -
What You Need to Know!
- What is canine influenza?
- How contagious is canine influenza?
- What are the signs of canine influenza?
- How serious is canine influenza?
- How is canine influenza diagnosed?
- Is my dog at risk for canine influenza?
- How is canine influenza spread?
- What do I do if my dog gets canine influenza?
- How can I protect my dog from canine influenza?
- Is the new canine influenza vaccine safe for my dog?
- Where can I learn more about canine influenza?
What is canine influenza?
Canine influenza is a flu virus in dogs. H3N8, a very contagious strain of the influenza A virus, causes canine influenza - a respiratory illness in your dog. Unlike other flu viruses, canine influenza only affects dogs.
How contagious is canine influenza?
Canine influenza is highly contagious. Virtually every dog exposed to the virus will contract the disease unless the dog has previously recovered from canine influenza. Because this virus is fairly new, dogs have no natural or "built-up" immunity to it. However, only about 80% of the dogs infected with canine influenza will actually show signs of the disease. Dogs who show signs of the disease and dogs who do not show signs of the disease are both contagious and can spread the virus to other dogs.
What are the signs of canine influenza?
Persistent cough which can last up to a month
Low-grade fever
Nasal discharge
Lack of energy
Loss of appetite
Canine Influenza resembles Kennel Cough - which makes the disease hard to diagnose early.
How serious is canine influenza?
Canine influenza is mild in about 80% of the dogs contracting the disease. However, in about 20% of dogs contracting the disease, canine influenza can be more severe causing high fevers and pneumonia. Some dogs have actually died from complications associated with canine influenza.
How is canine influenza diagnosed by your veterinarian?
Because the symptoms of canine influenza closely resemble the symptoms of kennel cough, canine influenza is very hard to diagnose. To assist in diagnosis, your veterinarian will collect blood and/or nasal swab samples. These tests can confirm canine influenza if taken during the appropriate time in the course of the disease. If not, even these tests will not confirm a positive case of canine influenza. Many times the illness is not diagnosed until it has lasted a long time or becomes very severe. It is important to know if your dog has been exposed to canine influenza.
Is my dog at risk for canine influenza?
All dogs are at risk for contracting canine influenza. Dogs, who are in contact with other dogs are at a greater risk, such as dogs who:
Board at a kennel
Go to "Doggie Daycare"
Come from a shelter or rescue center
Come from a breeding kennel or pet store
Visit a groomer or dog park
Go only daily walks with other dogs
Enter dog contests with other dogs
Come in contact with other dogs at a veterinary clinic
Attend training with other dogs
How is canine influenza spread?
Direct contact - licking, nuzzling
Cough or Sneeze
Contaminated hands, clothing, or other surfaces
We can actually spread the disease to our dog by touching a contaminated surface and then petting our dog. As with human flu, in order to avoid contamination, it is very important to wash your hands frequently.
What do I do if my dog gets canine influenza?
Once you suspect your dog may have canine influenza, make an appointment to see your veterinarian as soon as possible. Watch symptoms carefully. Secondary infections can complicate the disease. As with all viral diseases, canine influenza must run its course; however your vet may choose to prescribe antibiotics to treat any secondary infections caused by canine influenza.
How can I protect my dog from canine influenza?
Maintain your dog's good health so your dog has a stronger immune system
Limit the amount of time your dog is around other dogs
Vaccinate your dog against the disease
Is the new canine influenza vaccine safe for my dog?
Recently a new canine influenza vaccine was approved for use in the United States. The H3N8 Canine Influenza vaccine, produced by Intervet/Schering-Plough, has been tested in clinical trials and proven safe and well tolerated by over 700 dogs - over 30 different breeds ranging in ages from 6 weeks to 10 years old. The vaccine is proven to reduce the severity and length of canine influenza. The vaccine is given by your veterinarian in two doses, 2 - 4 weeks apart.
Please note: if your dog currently receives the Bordetella vaccine, your dog probably needs to receive the Canine Influenza vaccine as well.
Where can I learn more about canine influenza?
Infomation paraphrased and provided by Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health
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