Canine Influenza
What is canine influenza?
- Caused by a flu virus
- Highly contagious
- H3N8 strain
- ONLY AFFECTS DOGS
How contagious is canine influenza?
- Virtually EVERY dog exposed to the virus will become infected
- 80% of infected dogs will show signs of infection
- Dogs have no natural immunity to the virus
What are the signs of canine influenza?
- The most common sign is persistent cough
- It is a respiratory condition
- Other signs include a low-grade fever, nasal discharge, lack of energy, and loss of appetite
How serious is canine influenza?
- Canine influenza is usually mild, but can become serious in some dogs
- In severe cases, high fever and pneumonia can occur
- A small number of cases have been fatal due to complications
How can I protect my dog from canine influenza?
- Currently there is no specific treatment. As with all viral illnesses, it must run its course
- Prevention begins with maintaining your dog’s good health
- Ensure all grooming and boarding facilities your dog enters are clean and have an infectious disease protocol in place
- Recently, a new canine influenza vaccine—the first of its kind—was approved for use in the US and has been clinically proven to significantly reduce the severity and length of the illness
- If your dog is currently being vaccinated for Bordetella, it should also be vaccinated for Canine Influenza
For further information about Canine Influenza, the following websites are available: