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Canine Influenza
What is Canine Influenza?
How widespread is the disease?
How is a dog with Canine Influenza treated?
Do dogs die from Canine Influenza?
Is Canine Influenza virus transmissible from dogs to humans or other animals?
Do I need to be concerned about putting my dog in day care or boarding it at a kennel?
My dog has a cough … what should I do?
What diagnostic tests will tell me if my dog has Canine Influenza?
So, do I have my dog vaccinated or not?

What is Canine Influenza?

Canine Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection of dogs that is caused by a virus. The Canine Influenza virus is closely related to the virus that causes equine influenza in horses, and it is thought that the Equine Influenza virus mutated to produce the Canine Influenza virus.

Two clinical syndromes have been seen in dogs infected with the Canine Influenza virus—a mild form of the disease and a more severe form that is accompanied by pneumonia.

The mild form—Dogs suffering with the mild form of canine influenza develop a soft, moist cough that persists for 10 to 30 days. Some dogs have a dry cough similar to the “kennel cough”. For this reason, Canine Influenza virus infections are frequently mistaken for “kennel cough.” Dogs with the mild form of influenza may also have a thick nasal discharge, which is usually caused by a secondary bacterial infection.

The severe form—Dogs with the severe form of canine influenza develop high fevers (104°F to 106°F) and have clinical signs of pneumonia, such as difficulty breathing, depression, loss of appetite and a soft, painful; cough.. Pneumonia may be due to a secondary bacterial infection.

Because this is a newly emerging disease, almost all dogs, regardless of breed or age, are susceptible to infection and have no immunity. Virtually all dogs that are exposed to the virus become infected and nearly 80% show clinical signs of disease. Fortunately, most affected dogs have the mild form.

How widespread is the disease?

The first recognized outbreak of Canine Influenza in the world is believed to have occurred in racing greyhounds in January 2004 at a track in Florida. Infection has been confirmed in dogs in 24 states, including Kansas, Iowa and Arkansas. To date, there has been one reported case in a dog in Missouri.

How is a dog with Canine Influenza treated?

As with any disease caused by a virus, treatment is largely supportive. Good animal care practices (TLC) and nutrition assist dogs in mounting an effective immune response. In the milder form of the disease, a thick green nasal discharge, which most likely represents a secondary bacterial infection, usually resolves quickly after treatment with a broad-spectrum antibiotic. In the more severe form of the disease, hospitalization is sometimes needed to treat pneumonia.

Do dogs die from Canine Influenza?

Fatal cases of pneumonia resulting from infection with Canine Influenza virus have been reported in dogs, but the fatality rate (5% to 8%) has been low so far.

Is Canine Influenza virus transmissible from dogs to humans or other animals?

At this time, there is no evidence of transmission of Canine Influenza from dogs to people, horses, cats, ferrets, or other animal species. But, as always, it is prudent for young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised persons to limit or avoid contact with animals that are sick.

Do I need to be concerned about putting my dog in day care or boarding it at a kennel?

Dog owners should be aware that any situation that brings dogs together increases the risk of spread of diseases. Good infection control practices can reduce that risk, so dog owners involved in shows, sports, or other activities with their dogs or who board their dogs at kennels should ask whether respiratory disease has been a problem there, and whether the facility has a plan for isolating dogs that develop respiratory disease, and for notifying owners if their dogs have been exposed to dogs with respiratory disease.

As long as good infection control practices are in place, pet owners should not be overly concerned about putting dogs in training facilities, dog parks, kennels, or other areas frequented by dogs.

My dog has a cough … what should I do?

Schedule an appointment to have your dog evaluated. If Canine Influenza is suspected, treatment will usually focus on maximizing the ability of your dog’s immune system to combat the virus. This may include administration of fluids if your dog is becoming dehydrated and prescribing an antibiotic if a secondary bacterial infection is suspected.

Canine Influenza virus can be spread via direct contact with respiratory secretions from infected dogs, and by contact with contaminated inanimate objects. Therefore, dog owners whose dogs are coughing or exhibiting other signs of respiratory disease should not participate in activities or bring their dogs to facilities where other dogs can be exposed to them. Clothing, equipment, surfaces, and hands should be cleaned and disinfected after exposure to dogs showing signs of respiratory disease to prevent transmission of infection to susceptible dogs. Clothing can be adequately cleaned by using a detergent at normal laundry temperatures.

What diagnostic tests will tell me if my dog has Canine Influenza?

To date, there is no rapid test for diagnosis of acute (early) Canine Influenza infection, although tests are being developed. Diagnosis may be confirmed through serologic testing. Antibodies to Canine Influenza virus may be detected as early as seven days after onset of clinical signs.

So, do I have my dog vaccinated or not?

The decision to vaccinate for dog flu is made on a case-by-case basis.

No vaccine is 100% effective. The canine flu vaccine does not prevent the disease but can help to minimize its severity. Most dogs develop the milder form of the disease anyway. The vaccine is also relatively new on the market and has not had extensive testing. Reactions to the vaccine do occur but at this point seem to be infrequent. The vaccine must be given twice, 3 weeks apart, and boosted annually.

At this time, the vaccine is recommended for dogs who regularly go to places where there are a lot of other dogs in close proximity to each other. This includes boarding facilities, dog shows and kennels. Dogs who are generally healthy and able to fight off infection, and who don’t go to kennels, probably don’t need the vaccine. Dogs with immune challenges who ‘go places’ should be vaccinated.