Can I Give My Dog the Flu?!

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It's all over the media: this year's flu season is BAD. People all across the country are fighting off influenza - and those with dogs might be wondering:

"Can I give my dog the flu?"

It's important to know that Canine Influenza (a.k.a. the "Dog Flu") is a real thing.

​​However, it's different from the pandemic that has all of America keeping their hand sanitizer within arm's reach.

Though there are some similarities in symptoms, there is no conclusive evidence that dogs can catch the flu from humans, or vice versa.

Canine influenza virus (CIV) is most commonly spread in "high-traffic" dog areas, like boarding kennels, doggie daycares, dog parks, and animal shelters. Some local facilities are starting to require dogs to be vaccinated for CIV, but even if it's not a requirement - it's still a good idea to strongly consider the extra protection of immunization.

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Symptoms of Dog Flu

Signs of canine influenza are much like those in people, and can include:

• Fever
• Lethargy
• Decreased Appetite
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Runny Nose​

Most dogs recover from the illness within a few weeks, though there have been fatalities (less than 10%, according to AVMA studies). Like people, those with compromised immune systems are more likely to have complications than healthy adult dogs.

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4 Things You Should Know About Canine Influenza

1. There is a vaccine available.
There are two strains of CIV: H3N8 (identified in 2004) and H3N2 (identified in 2015). Previously, only an H3N8 vaccine was available. We now carry a new combination vaccine with one that provides protection against both H3N8 and H3N2.

Since H3N2 was not included in the original canine influenza vaccine, all dogs starting the combo vaccine (even if they already had the H3N8-only vaccine) will require an initial series of two injections 4 weeks apart; it is then boostered annually to maintain protection.
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2. Canine Influenza is highly contagious.
The virus is spread through respiratory secretions (nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing), and can survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours.

Be sure to thoroughly wash bowls, toys, and your hands! Though you cannot get your dog's flu, you can pass the virus along to other dogs after handling an infected dog.

3. Canine Influenza is a year-round problem.
Unlike the human flu, there is no "dog flu season" to worry about. Instead, the virus tends to spark up with isolated outbreaks throughout the year. Unfortunately, these outbreaks often occur in kennels and shelters. When dogs exposed to the virus leave the facility, they can spread the infection elsewhere.

4. If your dog is showing signs of an upper respiratory illness, schedule a visit with the vet.
There is no cure for the canine influenza virus, but your dog may need supportive care to combat dehydration and secondary bacterial infections.

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Your dog's health is our top priority, and we're always here to answer your questions and help guide you to choosing what's for your best friend's health and lifestyle!

To schedule an appointment, call us at 412-364-5511 or request an appointment online here.