Can Dogs Get the Flu?

Can Dogs Get the Flu?
Can Dogs Get the Flu?
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When flu season is running rampant, you want to be prepared. You already know most of the safety guidelines for keeping yourself healthy. But how does flu season affect your beloved pup?

Your dogs go where you go, but they also get exposed to other dogs more frequently, especially at the dog parks. That means your dog is exposed to human illnesses and doggy illnesses on a regular basis.

What if your entire household is down with the flu? Can your dog family catch it as well? Here’s the scoop on dogs and flu:

Can My Dog Catch the Flu?

According to the PetMD, dogs can indeed catch the flu. However, it is not believed to be the human flu, and there’s no evidence that you can spread your human flu to your pup.

The flu that dogs can catch is called canine influenza virus.  It’s an infectious respiratory disease that’s caused by a virus. Although the virus is similar to the influenza virus that people can catch, it’s not the same.

Types of Dog Flu

Two known strains of dog flu exist internationally:

H3N8 – originated in horses, then spread to dogs. The first outbreaks affected racing Greyhound dogs in Florida in 2004.

H3N2 – originated in Asia. Scientists believe this strain affected birds first before spreading to dogs. The canine influenza outbreaks in 2014 and 2015 were caused by the H3N2 virus.

What are the Symptoms of Dog Flu?

Just like with human flu, symptoms of dog flu can vary and be mild or severe. Dog flu is also not seasonal, unlike human flu. That means that your dog can be exposed to it even in the summertime.

 Here are some common symptoms to watch out for:

  • Coughing
  • Fever
  • Tiredness
  • Runny nose
  • Runny eyes
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Sneezing

It’s also important to know that dog flu symptoms are similar to kennel cough symptoms, which can be a serious disease.Talk to your veterinarian as soon as you notice your dog’s symptoms.

How Can My Dog Catch the Flu?

Dog flu is very contagious to other dogs. The most common way a dog can catch the flu is through contact with other pups that are sick. Also, since the virus strains originated with equines and birds, other pets, including cats, can also be infected. So keep an eye on your other pets as well.  

Studies have shown that the virus can spread up to 20 feet when a dog sneezes or coughs. The primary way that your dog can contact the virus is by being within that range of an infected dog. The germs can also spread via: 

  • Contaminated toys
  • Contaminated food and water bowls
  • Clothing
  • Collars and leashes 

Humans can spread the virus through indirect contact as well. If you’ve petted another dog that is infected, and then touched your dog, your dog is exposed to the germs. The virus is extremely resilient and can survive in the environment for a long time.

Diagnosing and Treating Dog Flu

Since dog flu symptoms can resemble other respiratory infections, the only way to diagnose dog flu is through a PCR panel. The vet will swab your dog’s nose and send the sample to a laboratory. The lab checks the DNA for the virus.

Additional testing may be necessary to check your dog’s general health status. They may also check for pneumonia, which requires aggressive treatment.

Before Taking Your Dog to the Vet

Be sure to let your veterinarian know beforehand what symptoms your dog is exhibiting. The vet will need to take precautions during your visit to avoid exposing the potential virus to other dogs at their office.

After The Vet Visit

Treating dog flu is mostly supportive. Just like human flu, it can’t be cured with antibiotics. The main treatment for dog flu consists of keeping your dog calm, rested, and hydrated. If you can’t get your dog to drink, the vet hospital may opt for IV fluids to keep your dog hydrated. They can also give cough suppressants and nutritional support.

Your dog may exhibit symptoms of dog flu for several weeks after catching the virus. You’ll need to keep an eye on your dog’s symptoms and cough to ensure it doesn’t turn into a secondary bacterial infection, like pneumonia, that will require antibiotics.

Best Ways to Prevent Dog Flu

Fortunately, there are some steps to take to prevent your pup from getting sick with the flu.

Vaccines

There’s a vaccine for dogs that helps prevent both strains of dog flu. Be sure to keep your dog current on his shots, starting as young as 7 or 8 weeks of age.

Other Steps

You can limit your dog’s time at dog parks, boarding facilities, or anywhere where multiple dogs get together. Also, be sure to frequently wash food and water bowls, toys, and other items. Thoroughly wash your hands after handling other animals, and wash clothing that might have come in contact with other animals.  

Final Thoughts

Infected dogs should be kept isolated from the onset of symptoms up to three or four weeks afterwards. If your pup is feeling poorly, avoid dog parks, boarding facilities, doggy playgroups, and the groomer. This will help prevent the spread of dog flu. It will also keep your ill pup from catching other illnesses when he’s more susceptible.Be sure to pamper your pup while he’s sick and give him lots of extra attention. Just like people, dogs need plenty of care and love too!

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