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Nov 26, 2021 · Canine influenza is a highly transmissible virus. Infected dogs shed large amounts of the virus through sneezing, coughing, and nasal discharge. This virus can also easily be spread on a variety of surfaces, including walls, floors, collars, brushes, and even human hands.
- Overview
- Using Supportive Care
- Preventing Complications
The dog flu (medically termed canine influenza) is an infection that can be passed from dog to dog. If your dog has come down with this flu, it is best to see a veterinarian for a formal diagnosis and treatment. Treatment normally consists of a combination of rest, hydration, and sometimes medications (both for symptom management, as well as antibi...
Understand that there is no medical "cure" for canine influenza.
Rather, your dog's veterinarian will offer what is called "supportive care." Supportive care is a combination of symptom management and rest so that your dog's immune system is optimized and best able to fight off the virus. Your dog's immune system is the only thing that can fight off the bug itself.
Keep your dog's eyes and nose clean. Wipe these areas down with a cotton pad soaked in water that has been boiled, then cooled to room temperature.
Make sure your dog's bed has plenty of padding. If your dog isn't moving very much, they can develop bed sores. Provide additional padding with a few extra blankets.
Keep your dog indoors and make sure it is not too hot or too cold.
The vet may offer your dog extra fluids, sometimes via an IV, if your dog has become dehydrated as a result of fighting off canine influenza. If the dehydration is only mild, encouraging your dog to drink more water orally may be sufficient.
Opt for antibiotics for your dog.
Although canine influenza is a viral infection, many veterinarians will offer your dog antibiotics to prevent what is called a "secondary bacterial infection." What this means is that, while your dog's immune system is busy fighting off the virus, it can become weakened and susceptible to bacterial infections. The antibiotics help to prevent this and to ensure that your dog has the quickest recovery possible.
Prevent the spread of infection to other dogs.
While your dog is recovering from canine influenza, it is important to keep them at home and isolated from other dogs. The virus can be spread through droplets, so if your dog sneezes around other dogs, the infection can spread. Avoid public places with other dogs such as doggy daycare, doggy boarding places, and public dog parks. Although it can be a hassle to keep your dog at home, you would appreciate the same done by another dog owner if his or her pet was infected.
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Dec 7, 2023 · What Is Dog Flu? Dog flu, or canine influenza virus, is an infectious respiratory disease caused by an influenza A virus, similar to the viral strains that cause influenza in people.
Canine influenza is spread by dog-to-dog by aerosolization of two strains of the canine influenza virus (H3N8 and H3N2), as well as by contaminated objects and fomites. Most infections are mild with a persistent cough. Infected dogs can also be asymptomatic and shed virus.
Aug 9, 2024 · Dog flu, or canine influenza, is a type of contagious disease in dogs. It’s usually not deadly, but it can make your dog pretty sick. The condition can affect any type of dog, no matter the age,...
Vaccination against canine flu should be considered for any at-risk breed, dogs with heart or respiratory conditions, dogs that travel or show, and those that have frequent contact with other dogs (e.g., those that are boarded or go to dog parks). What are the clinical signs of canine influenza?
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Jan 18, 2023 · There's been a rise in canine influenza, or dog flu. Here are the symptoms to look out for, tips on how to prevent it from spreading and treatment options.
