The Dog Flu: A Recent Canine Viral Infection

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| Print | By Jo Singer | October 22, 2009 1:20 PM

One of the hottest topics of discussion now is the "Flu". With the H-1-N-1 virus (Swine Flu) flooding the media, with ensuing discussions about who are at greatest risk of contracting it, and whether the vaccine is sufficiently safe or if mandatory inoculations for certain populations to prevent its spread should be mandatory, I am sure that we are absolutely besieged with information.

So to further bend your ear, did you know that there is a new flu virus going around to which dog owners should be aware? Interestingly it is a mutation of the H-3-N-8, the equine flu. It is simply referred to as the "canine flu". Thus far, according to our veterinarian's staff they have not seen anything similar affecting the feline species.
The good news is that there is no evidence that dog flu is contagious to humans at this time and it is rare for a virus to travel from one species of animal to another.

Ellie Mae. Photo credit: Vicki Jasch
While there is a vaccine available which Dr. Bob Reich of the Animal Medical Clinic advises, is not one that is mandatory. In his advice to owners, under certain conditions in which he goes into detail, he suggests "If they travel with dogs or board dogs a lot. If they use doggie daycares, they probably should. It's highly contagious. The entire dog population has no resistance to it. If you have 100 dogs in a kennel, one dog comes in with the flu; it's just like daycare, every dog's going to get it."

At this time, Canine Flu is considered to be an endemic virus since there are sporadic outbreaks reported in certain areas. According to the ASPCA, the states that have reported outbreaks at dog race tracks are Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Texas, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Outbreaks occurring in pet dog populations have been reported in California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, the state of Washington, and Washington, D.C. The reports are from cases in rescue groups, animal shelters, pet stores, boarding kennels and veterinary clinics.

So how does the Canine flu affect dogs? Symptoms of the disease can range from mild to severe illness. Affected dogs generally have a soft, moist cough, yellow-green nasal discharge, if the dog contracts a secondary bacterial infection. These dogs generally will run a low-grade fever that can last up to 30 days even if they are receiving treatment. Dogs with the flu have diminished appetites as well.

More severe forms of this flu can cause high fevers and difficulty in breathing due to secondary pneumonia. This is generally not a fatal disease in dogs, and is generally overcome between 10-30 days without any complications. Similar to the human flu, however, while not common, deaths can result, and are commonly caused by secondary infections such as bacterial pneumonia. This virus is very contagious between canines as it is airborne and since it has recently emerged, there is no natural immunity which dogs have been able to develop.

The ASPCA also advises, "While there is currently no reliable rapid test available to veterinarians for diagnosing canine influenza, tests are available at certain diagnostic labs. For more information, contact your local veterinarian."

People can help the spread of Canine Flu between dogs by following some common sense suggestions offered by the ASPCA.

"Any dog infected with Canine Flu or as any other respiratory disease should be kept away from other dogs until the illness completely resolves.

Solutions as simple as soap and water are effective disinfectants for eliminating the virus from surfaces. To help reduce the risk of spreading the virus, gloves should be worn when handling infected dogs or cleaning contaminated cages."

For more detailed information about Canine Flu, visit: The American Veterinary Medical Association's Canine Influenza Page.

Are you worried about your dog catching the Canine Flu? Leave a comment with your concerns.

RELATED TOPICS: Blogs (224) , Dogs (40) , Health (12)

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Vicki October 22, 2009 3:52 PM

Oh Lawdy, it would be my luck for one of my dogs to get it. I hope not, my vet bill already looks like the gross national debt. Isn't Ellie Mae pretty?

annie October 22, 2009 3:57 PM

interesting. my cats have had this viral infection -- which they keep passing back and forth to each other. many of the symptoms are identical to this article on dog flu.

it's viral -- 'cause the antibiotic that was given didn't even effect the virus. it ran its course in 3 days.

Zach October 22, 2009 9:37 PM

Amazing, i never heard of the h1-n1 virus but it was sure a good read about how bad and viral it was.
Thanks for sharing =]

Heather October 23, 2009 4:30 PM

I cudnt get this in yesterday when story came out but a couple years ago this dog flu went thru Derby Lane dog track in St. Pete, Florida and a lot of dogs were very sick and some died. It was terrible and seemed nothing cud be done to alleviate their suffering. I felt so bad for them. I wouldn't ever want to see any animal suffer. Some of the greyhounds who did recover were unable to race any longer and found homes. While I know a lot of people are against these dogs racing, remember they are not the only dog breed that races. Thank you.

Grace November 6, 2009 3:03 AM

This affects so many of us 2 of my dogs have gotten this flu I just hope this stops son because it hurts to see them go threw this:( they're so defensless and can't say what's going on exactly so it's like we are guessing there every step. Hope things turn around soon

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