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Dog Flu

"Dog flu is a new disease that has a low mortality rate. The disease is spread from dog to dog and has no treatment other than addressing some of the symptoms"

Dog flu is a relatively new strain of influenza. This virus, belonging to the influenza A family, is a mutated strain of an equine influenza virus that has been detected in horses for more than 40 years. It was first reported in January 2004 at a greyhound track in Florida. Since then, it has been reported in other states. Dogs in shelters, humane societies, and boarding facilities are at particular risk. There is no vaccine.

Dogs can only catch the flu from other dogs. It is transmitted through the air, usually by dogs coughing or sneezing on each other. If your dog has not been around any other dogs in the past week or so, then he can’t have the flu.

Infected dogs can spread the flu for 7 to 10 days after symptoms appear. Dogs that show no clinical signs can also spread the disease.

Humans cannot catch the flu from dogs; it is a different strain of flu.

Flu Symptom in Dog

Dog flu symptoms in its mild form include sneezing, nasal discharge, low grade fever, and a persistent cough that can last for up to three weeks. It can resemble kennel cough.

In severe cases, high grade fever (104 - 106 degrees) difficulty breathing (increased respitory rate) and pneumonia may set in.

Dog Flu Diagnosis

There is no quick and easy way for your veterinarian to tell for sure if your dog has the flu. There is a blood test that is only accurate seven days after the onset of symptoms that will show antibodies to the flu virus, meaning that your dog’s body is fighting off the virus, but that doesn’t help if you take your dog to the vet when he first gets sick. Given the need to wait the seven days, your veterinarian will probably make a preliminary diagnosis based on the symptoms and medical history you provide.

If he has been around another dog, and he has symptoms of the flu, then he may well have the flu. Since treatment for the flu is similar to treatment for many other respiratory infections, having an exact diagnosis may not really matter anyway.

Dog Flu Treatment

Most dogs will recover without any treatment. The virus will simply run its course. Keep your dog warm and dry. She may not have much or an appetite, but encourage her to drink plenty of water.

In some cases, secondary infections like pneumonia may set in. In these cases, antibiotics are required. These are given orally, usually for 14 days. Your vet may want to give your dog antibiotics anyway, just in case he has something besides the flu virus.

In very severe cases, dogs may require intravenous fluids and antibiotics. This will require hospitalization which is unusual.

Ask your veterinarian about supplementing your dogs diet with natural remedies made to support respiratory health and bolster the immune system. Pet Alive makes a quality product that combines the needed supplements and is a good source to explore.

Mortality Rate of Dog Flu

6 to 8% of dogs that get dog flu will die from the disease.

Sources

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Veterinary Medicine

AVMA
“Canine Influenza Backgrounder”.

Rubenstein, Carin. “Virulent Dog Virus Hits Area Kennels”.
New York Times. 25 September 2005.

�“Control of Canine Influenza in Dogs-Questions, Answers, and Interim Guidelines”.
AVMA. 2005. 20 April 2006.

Crawford, P.C.
“Transmission of Equine Influenza Virus to Dogs”
Science Express.(2005).

“Fast Facts on Canine Influenza” Pet Columns at CVM at UIUC. 2005. 20 April 2006.

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