
Canine influenza is a contagious respiratory infection sometimes referred to as dog flu. Photo Credit: boccaccio1/Flickr.com
Canine influenza is a contagious virus that is easily passed from one dog to another. It is primarily a respiratory disease and was first diagnosed in racing Greyhounds in 2004. Since then, it has spread to the general dog population.
Canine influenza is sometimes also called “dog flu.” It is part of the respiratory disease complex that is commonly referred to as “kennel cough.”
Symptoms of Canine Influenza
Symptoms normally seen with canine influenza include:
- Runny eyes
- Runny nose
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Depression
- Lack of appetite
- Canine influenza may be complicated by a severe form of pneumonia in some infected dogs.
How Do Dogs Get Canine Influenza?
Canine influenza is caused by a type A influenza virus known as H3N8. It is contagious and easily passed from dog to dog through direct contact, aerosolization of viral particles or contact with contaminated objects.
Canine influenza is more common in crowded situations, such as boarding facilities, animal shelters and pet shops. However, any dog can contract canine influenza if exposed to the virus.
Diagnosing Canine Influenza
Diagnosis is based on the presence of expected clinical signs on an examination. Other forms of testing can be done to definitely identify the virus.
- PCR testing is a molecular test on a swab from the nose or throat or on fluid obtained from the trachea and it detects RNA from the virus.
- Serology is a blood test that can performed to test for antibody to the influenza virus.
Your veterinarian may also advise further testing to help rule out diseases that cause similar types of symptoms. A radiograph (x-ray) of the chest may be recommended to evaluate your dog’s lungs for evidence of pneumonia.
Treating Dogs with Influenza
Treatment is symptomatic as there is no known cure for canine influenza.
- Antibiotics may be recommended to prevent or treat secondary bacterial infections.
- Fluid therapy may be necessary to combat dehydration.
- Adequate nutrition is important and infected dogs may need to be enticed to eat or even hand-fed.
- Nursing care may be necessary to keep the eyes and nostrils open and clean of discharge.
Can Canine Influenza Be Prevented?
There is a vaccination available against canine influenza. However, the vaccine is not necessarily recommended for all dogs. Rather, it is recommended for those dogs that are at higher risk of contacting the disease. Some boarding facilities require the vaccine for admittance to their kennel.