Canine Influenza Facts:
The canine flu virus was first discovered in 2004 in a greyhound racing track located in Florida. It is a disease of dogs; no evidence exists that people can catch it.
It is a virus that affects the cells of the respiratory tract from the nasal lining to the airways deep in the lung tissues.
Dogs will present clinically with acute respiratory signs of coughing, which is described as a soft-moist cough, unlike Kennel Cough which is a dry cough.
(For more information on Kennel Cough, please refer to our page on Kennel Cough found under our "Dog Care" page.)
Dogs with canine flu virus will usually have a thick and obvious nasal discharge and a low-grade fever. The cough and clinical sign can last for 10-21 days despite treatment with antibiotics and cough medicines. A small percentage of dogs will advance onto develop a severe form of the disease with a high fever of 104 degrees to 106 degrees, increased respiratory efforts and even severe pneumonia with a bloody discharge from both nasal and respiratory secretions.
Treatment is like most other viral diseases. Good nutrition, a clean, warm environment and constant attention are critical to not letting the virus get out of control and develop into something more serious. Broad-spectrum antibiotics and IV fluids are also needed to help these dogs deal with the disease and secondary invaders. Most dogs recover from canine influenze in two to three weeks.
The virus is spread through respiratory secretions. It can live in the environment for two days and can be viable on hands and clothing for up to 24 hours. Washing hands is the manstay to helping slow/stop the transmission of the disease.
A canine influenze vaccine was approved in May, 2009. Be aware, the vaccine does not prevent the disease, but rather lessens the severity of the disease. If your dog is kenneled frequently, visits doggie day care centers, makes frequent trips to the groomer, plays at dog parks or is traveling out of state for the winter months, you may wish to consider vaccinating your dog against Canine Influenza.
Your veterinarian will be happy to discuss risk factors with you and determine whether your dog is a vaccine candidate.
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