Dog Flu - Can Dogs Get The Flu?

There is such a thing as dog flu, it is actually called, "canine influenza". It is very contagious and is a viral infection caused by the influenza Virus a subtype H3N8.

Bird flu is not the same as canine influenza and it did not mutate from the avian flu virus.

When dogs get the canine flu they can get a mild case or they can become seriously ill. The mild symptoms are a soft, moist cough with or without a low-grade fever that usually last anywhere from 10 days to a month. They may also have a yellow/green nasal discharge. A severe case will include a high-grade fever (104ºF to 106ºF) and rapid or difficult breathing which is usually due to secondary pneumonia. Your dog needs to see a vet for diagnosis and treatment. Fatalities are not common, but do occur usually as a result of complications such as bacterial pneumonia. Fatality rates are at 5% to 8% of all dogs that come down with the canine flu.

There is no evidence that canine flu can be spread to humans.

Any dog that contracts canine flu should be separated from all other dogs. Disinfectants should be used on all surfaces to reduce the spread of the virus. Gloves should be worn when handling sick dogs.

The first cases of canine flu occurred in greyhounds in January of 2004 in Florida. Animal shelters, rescue groups, pet stores, boarding kennels and veterinary clinics are all places where cases of canine flu occurred.

Canine flu is treated mainly by supportive measures, which include good nutrition to support immune response; broad-spectrum bactericidal antimicrobial medication is used if there is yellow or green nasal discharge or if a secondary infection such as pneumonia is present.

If you use a kennel or other close situation with multiple dogs like doggie daycare, check to be sure that the owners are using safe infection control practices to reduce the risk of canine flu. Ask the owners if there have been any cases of canine flu.

If your dog develops a cough make an appointment at the vets immediately for diagnosis. The vet will examine your dog, make a diagnosis and design a treatment plan. Fluids may be administered if the dog is becoming dehydrated.

If you work at a kennel, vet office, or boarding/daycare situation and have a dog at home you may wish to follow the guidelines below to protect your dog:

Wash your hands before and after handling all dogs, and after coming into contact with a dog's saliva, urine, feces or blood, after cleaning cages, before eating meals, taking breaks, or before leaving the facility.

Wear a gown over your clothes and wear gloves when you are in contact with any dog that is sick.

Discard the gown in an appropriate container before working with other animals.

Use goggles or other face protection when working with items or in situations where contamination may splash on your face or in your eyes.

Do not allow animals to kiss or lick your face.

Do not eat in the animal’s area

Separate newly arrived animals from other animals

Monitor all animals and your own pets for signs of illness.

Bring a change of clothes to put on after work to wear home, put the clothes you wore at work in a bag and wash them separately from your family's clothes.