Canine Influenza
>>What do I need to know?<<
>>What do I need to know?<<
-What is Canine Influenza?-
Canine influenza is a newly emerging infectious disease caused by a "flu" virus.
In dogs, a highly contagious strain of the influenza.
A virus known as H3N8 is able to cause respiratory illness.
Other strains of the influenza A virus are responsible for causing infection in birds, horses, pigs, and people.
Canine Influenza virus only affects dogs.
-How contagious is Canine Influenza?-
Just like human "flu", canine influenza is highly contagious.
In fact, unless a dog has already had the illness and recovered, virtually every dog exposed to the virus will become infected.
This is because the virus is relatively new, and dogs have no natural immunity to it.
While 100% of dogs are susceptible to influenza infection, about 80% of dogs will show infection.
Dogs that do not show signs of the disease can still spread the virus to other dogs.
-What are the signs of Canine Influenza?-
The most common sign of canine influenza is a persistent cough.
Some dogs have a soft, moist, "productive" cough, while others have a dry cough similar to kennel cough - A respiratory condition that is caused by any number of other viruses and bacterias.
It's the similarity to kennel cough that makes it hard for your veterinarian to diagnose which illness your dog has.
About 80% of dogs who show signs of influenza will have mild disease.
Signs in this case include a low grade fever, nasal discharge, lack of energy, loss of appetite, and a cough that can last up to a month.
-How serious is Canine Influenza?-
Canine influenza is usually mild but can become quite serious in some dogs.
In about 20% of cases, more severe signs will occur, such as a high grade fever and pneumonia.
A small number of dogs infected with the virus have died from complications associated with the disease.
-How is Canine Influenza infection diagnosed?-
It's hard to diagnose canine influenza.
Many times it can be confused with kennel cough because the signs are very similar.
Often canine influenza is not suspected until the illness has become unusually severe or lasts unusually long.
Your vet may collect blood or nasal swab samples; however these laboratory results may not confirm canine influenza influenza because the samples must be taken at the appropriate time in the course of your dog's illness.
-How is Canine Influenza spread?-
Canine influenza spreads the same way that human flu spreads - through direct contact (Kissing, licking, nuzzling); Through the air (coughing or sneezing); and via contaminated surfaces (such as when a person picks up that virus on their hands, then touches a dog).
Spread can also occur if that same person touches and contaminates another surface - a doorknob, for example.
-What can be done if my dog becomes infected?-
There is currently no specific treatment for canine influenza.
As with all viral illnesses, the disease must run it's course.
Supportive care, such as providing a good diet and making sure your dog's body has enough fluids, can help your dog fight the infection.
A little extra tender loving care can also go a long way.
Sometimes canine influenza infections can become complicated by secondary bacterial infections.
One sign of this is a yellow-green, thick nasal discharge, which your vet may treat with an antibiotic.
The coughing that comes with the virus is actually the body's way of getting rid of the virus.
If the cough is moist and productive, you should not try to stop it with a cough suppressant.
-How can I protect my dog?-
Protection starts by keeping your dog in good general health.
A well-nourished, well-rested, and well-cared-for pet will have a stronger immune system to help fight off infection.
Recently, a new canine influenza vaccine - the first of it's kind - was approved for use in the US.
Canine influenza vaccine, H3N8 from Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health has been clinically proven to significantly reduce the severity of influenza and the length of time a dog is sick.
The initial vaccine requires 2 doses, 2-4 weeks apart, followed by annual revaccination.
-Is the new Canine Influenza vaccine safe?-
The new vaccine was proven safe and well tolerated in over 700 dogs.
There were 30 breeds ranging from 6 weeks to ten years old.
-Where can I learn more about Canine Influenza?-
Your vet is the best person to answer any further questions you have.
In addition, you may find it helpful to explore these websites for more info:
http://www.doginfluenza.com/
www.aspca.org -Question & Answer-
Canine influenza is a newly emerging infectious disease caused by a "flu" virus.
In dogs, a highly contagious strain of the influenza.
A virus known as H3N8 is able to cause respiratory illness.
Other strains of the influenza A virus are responsible for causing infection in birds, horses, pigs, and people.
Canine Influenza virus only affects dogs.
-How contagious is Canine Influenza?-
Just like human "flu", canine influenza is highly contagious.
In fact, unless a dog has already had the illness and recovered, virtually every dog exposed to the virus will become infected.
This is because the virus is relatively new, and dogs have no natural immunity to it.
While 100% of dogs are susceptible to influenza infection, about 80% of dogs will show infection.
Dogs that do not show signs of the disease can still spread the virus to other dogs.
-What are the signs of Canine Influenza?-
The most common sign of canine influenza is a persistent cough.
Some dogs have a soft, moist, "productive" cough, while others have a dry cough similar to kennel cough - A respiratory condition that is caused by any number of other viruses and bacterias.
It's the similarity to kennel cough that makes it hard for your veterinarian to diagnose which illness your dog has.
About 80% of dogs who show signs of influenza will have mild disease.
Signs in this case include a low grade fever, nasal discharge, lack of energy, loss of appetite, and a cough that can last up to a month.
-How serious is Canine Influenza?-
Canine influenza is usually mild but can become quite serious in some dogs.
In about 20% of cases, more severe signs will occur, such as a high grade fever and pneumonia.
A small number of dogs infected with the virus have died from complications associated with the disease.
-How is Canine Influenza infection diagnosed?-
It's hard to diagnose canine influenza.
Many times it can be confused with kennel cough because the signs are very similar.
Often canine influenza is not suspected until the illness has become unusually severe or lasts unusually long.
Your vet may collect blood or nasal swab samples; however these laboratory results may not confirm canine influenza influenza because the samples must be taken at the appropriate time in the course of your dog's illness.
-How is Canine Influenza spread?-
Canine influenza spreads the same way that human flu spreads - through direct contact (Kissing, licking, nuzzling); Through the air (coughing or sneezing); and via contaminated surfaces (such as when a person picks up that virus on their hands, then touches a dog).
Spread can also occur if that same person touches and contaminates another surface - a doorknob, for example.
-What can be done if my dog becomes infected?-
There is currently no specific treatment for canine influenza.
As with all viral illnesses, the disease must run it's course.
Supportive care, such as providing a good diet and making sure your dog's body has enough fluids, can help your dog fight the infection.
A little extra tender loving care can also go a long way.
Sometimes canine influenza infections can become complicated by secondary bacterial infections.
One sign of this is a yellow-green, thick nasal discharge, which your vet may treat with an antibiotic.
The coughing that comes with the virus is actually the body's way of getting rid of the virus.
If the cough is moist and productive, you should not try to stop it with a cough suppressant.
-How can I protect my dog?-
Protection starts by keeping your dog in good general health.
A well-nourished, well-rested, and well-cared-for pet will have a stronger immune system to help fight off infection.
Recently, a new canine influenza vaccine - the first of it's kind - was approved for use in the US.
Canine influenza vaccine, H3N8 from Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health has been clinically proven to significantly reduce the severity of influenza and the length of time a dog is sick.
The initial vaccine requires 2 doses, 2-4 weeks apart, followed by annual revaccination.
-Is the new Canine Influenza vaccine safe?-
The new vaccine was proven safe and well tolerated in over 700 dogs.
There were 30 breeds ranging from 6 weeks to ten years old.
-Where can I learn more about Canine Influenza?-
Your vet is the best person to answer any further questions you have.
In addition, you may find it helpful to explore these websites for more info:
http://www.doginfluenza.com/
www.aspca.org -Question & Answer-