Coughing, sneezing, lethargy and fever are symptoms we are familiar with when a family member has the flu. What if that family member is the dog? Prior to 2004, no one had heard about "doggie flu" until some greyhounds developed symptoms on a racetrack in Florida. This newly emerging canine strain began as a mutated strain from equine influenza virus. Later in 2005 dogs in Florida boarding facilities and veterinary hospitals were showing symptoms. Canine influenza eventually spread to more than 20 states. Although research in the veterinary community has been robust, still no vaccine has been developed for the strain of flu affecting dogs. Luckily there have been no known cases of this strain of canine flu causing infection in people or other species. For dogs, only a few (<8%) die from the flu and treatment has been successful in 95% of cases.
Signs and Symptoms of Dog Flu
The University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine, website article "Fast Facts on Canine Influenza" lists some signs and symptoms of canine influenza to watch for in your dog.
- Canine influenza may mirror signs of kennel cough, including sneezing, coughing, and fever 2-5 days after exposure. It requires veterinary medical attention.
- Nearly 100 percent of dogs that come in contact with the virus become infected, regardless of age or vaccination history. Of those infected, 20 percent show no signs of disease.
- Of the 80 percent that exhibit signs, two forms have been observed:
- Mild infection. Symptoms include a low-grade fever, nasal discharge, and a persistent cough that could last up to three weeks.
- Severe infection. Symptoms include a high fever, increased respiratory rates with difficulty breathing, and other indications of pneumonia.
- Researchers have observed canine influenza to be fatal in fewer than 8 percent of infected patients.
- Because this virus is new to dogs, most dogs will not have a natural immunity to the influenza.
Treatment of Dog Flu
Visit your veterinarian if your dog has a cough or other symptoms mentioned. Canine influenza is highly contagious to other dogs and needs to be treated prior to exposure to other dogs. Treatment is effective in 95% of infected dogs. For the mild cases, most dogs receive antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections. The severe cases that may include treating for pneumonia or secondary bacterial infection will need more supportive care including fluids, antibiotics and rests among other things to make a sick dog healthy again. Quite interestingly; a human drug, Tamiflu, (TM) is being used by some veterinarians to treat dogs with Canine Influenza and Parvovirus with some success.
Prevention of Dog Flu
Until a vaccine is developed, experts recommend some common sense measures be taken to prevent your dog from getting the flu.
- If you are planning to take your dog to a boarding kennel, ask some good questions prior to having your dog board there.Questions to ask prior to boarding your dog:
Have had any outbreaks of dogs coughing or having respiratory conditions?
Do they plan to isolate or remove animals with symptoms?
- To prevent spread of the virus, wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling animals and when you come into contact with animal saliva, urine, blood or feces.
- Don't board your pet or let it come into contact with other dogs is you suspect your dog is sick.
- Watch for news reports of canine flu outbreaks in your area
With some simple precautions, your dog won't get the doggie flu and perhaps can help take care of your family with some TLC when the human flu strikes.
Sources:
University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine, "Fast Facts on Canine Influenza".
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), "Control of Canine Influenza in Dogs"
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