What are the symptoms of canine influenza?
Our dogs love to be around other furry friends. Visits to the dog park are a favorite pastime of many dogs. Nose-to-nose contact with an infected dog at the park is one of the ways that dog flu is spread. If your furry buddy is feeling unwell and you think they may have been near a dog with canine influenza, watch for these symptoms:
The virus can be spread through dogs coughing and barking at each other, as well as sharing toys and water dishes. The virus can also come home with you on your clothes, so even if your pup is not with you the chance of them catching dog flu is there. Brachycephalic dogs like the Pug, Boxer, and Bulldog can often suffer more with the disease because of their pushed-in nose and restricted breathing pathways. Infections can occur in any season; there is no specific time of year that the flu is more prevalent in canines.
Other Conditions That Might Look Like Dog Flu
Dog flu symptoms are fairly general in nature and can look like symptoms of other viral infections such as canine distemper, adenovirus type 2, and canine coronavirus. Another common upper respiratory tract infection that can be confused with dog flu is Kennel Cough which is often caused by the highly contagious bacteria bordetella bronchiseptica.
It is always best to take your dog to the vet if you suspect a respiratory infection, as some conditions can be very serious (and possibly fatal).
Canine influenza cannot be diagnosed based on symptoms alone, since the signs mimic many other conditions. In order to properly diagnose the presence of influenza virus, your vet will need to conduct tests to detect and identify which virus your dog may be infected with.
There are currently no antiviral agents approved to treat canine influenza. Your vet may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to help control fever and inflammation in the nasal passages and throat. If your dog develops a secondary bacterial infection, your vet will prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection.
Some dogs that have not been eating or drinking may need to be hospitalized for nutritional support (such as a feeding tube or intravenous fluids).
In addition to medical treatment, there are some things you can do at home to help treat dog flu.
1. Provide soft, strong-smelling foods Since dog flu can have a negative impact on your dog’s appetite, try to make their food more appealing by providing softer foods. Try warming the food slightly to enhance the scent.
2. Make sure they have plenty of fresh water Hydration is essential to helping your dog recover. Ensure your dog has plenty of water available to drink throughout their recovery.
3. Make sure your dog is comfortable Ensure your dog has a comfortable spot to rest and recover.
4. Keep your dog’s face clean Take a warm washcloth and gently wipe your dog’s face to clear up any discharge from the nose or eyes.
What are the benefits and risks of the canine influenza vaccine? Which dogs should get it?
The decision to use any vaccine is based on each individual’s risk and lifestyle. Indoor dogs with little exposure to other dogs are at less risk than show dogs that travel, or dogs that are kenneled or encounter other dogs frequently. Owners that live in areas where outbreaks are occurring should also consider vaccinating their dogs against canine influenza. Cases have been identified in most states and the District of Columbia and in some provinces in Canada. Owners of older dogs with respiratory or heart disease and breeds with short, flat faces should also consider vaccination due to higher risk for infection and complications. There have been no reported issues with the CIV vaccination to date.
It is important to note that the CIV vaccine cannot completely prevent the disease. It may, however, reduce the severity and duration of clinical signs associated with infection. This is especially important in at-risk dogs and to help reduce the spread of outbreaks.
Talk to your veterinarian to determine if vaccinating against canine influenza is right for your dog.
How To Treat Dog Flu
Its flu season for humans. Doctors are advising vaccination, with shots available at many local pharmacies and drug stores. But, what about your pup? Turns out dogs have their own flu season. And its year round!
Canine Influenza is highly contagious and can be spread not only through the air but across surfaces like leashes and collars. In conversation with veterinarian Lisa Lippman, Director of Virtual Medicine at New York Citys Bond Vet ,we cover everything you need to know about “dog flu” from treatment to early signs.
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Canine influenza is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause your dog to get sick, materials from Bond Vet explain. Lippman describes it as very similar to the human flu, only without any real seasonality to it. It can happen at any time.
“Its really important to know where its endemic,” Lippman explains, urging pet owners to consult their veterinarian in order to find out the risk in their local area. Dogs who are in the agility or show circuit, and are therefore more likely to interact with lots of other dogs are also at a higher risk, she explains.
Just like humans with COVID, the more potentially infected individuals you are around the higher your likelihood is to get sick.
Coughing and sneezing are some of the main symptoms of canine influenza, and also one of the main forms of transmission. In some cases your pup will run a fever.
A trip to the vet can help confirm a case as they will take your dogs temperature and possibly run chest x-rays and a PCR test. “Its always nice to know what were dealing with,” Lippman explains.
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