Humans are not the only ones who can suffer from flu outbreaks – their dogs can get the flu virus, too. Just like their human counterparts, dogs with canine influenza will not only experience the common symptoms of flu but the viral infection can become dangerous to them, too.
You, as the dog owner, fortunately can take a few simple yet effective measures in reducing the risks for your dogs getting canine virus. You can start by acquiring reliable information about what, why, and how of the viral infection.
What Is Dog Flu?
Canine influenza is a contagious respiratory disease among dogs mainly caused by two known Type A flu viruses, namely, H3N8 and H3N2. Emphasis must be made that scientists have yet to record a dog-to-human transmission or one of the two viruses infecting humans, thus, canine flu is so far limited to dogs.
However, flu viruses are notorious for their ability to constantly change their structure, which results in new strains on a yearly basis. Scientists are closely monitoring the H3N8 and H3N2 viruses since these can become pandemic flu threats in the event that these change to become viruses with the ability to transfer between humans and canines. The threat may be real considering the origins of the two canine viruses.
The H3N8 virus originally infected horses with its existence known as early as 40 years ago. But the equine flu virus jumped species and spread to dogs, initially among greyhounds since these animals were in close contact on the racecourse, before spreading between dogs. It appears to be most active among dogs housed in shelters and kennels, which scientists theorize was likely due to the close quarters.
The H3N2 virus is originally an avian (bird) flu virus that underwent changes enabling it to infect dogs; the canine H3N2 and human seasonal H3N2 flu virus are different strains (i.e., genetically different). It has reportedly infected both canines and felines as well as spread into Asia particularly in China and Thailand. It was first observed in the United States in April 2015 although its actual introduction into the country is unknown.
In September 2005, the H3N8 canine flu virus was declared by public health experts as an emerging pathogen among canines in the United States. The H3N2 virus can be just as pathogenic, too.
For now, scientists consider both canine viruses as a low threat to humans. You can rest easy about contracting the flu whenever your dogs appear to have it especially when you have already been vaccinated with the current seasonal flu vaccine.
What Are the Signs?
Dogs infected with canine flu virus may or may not show signs of illness depending on their age, physical condition, and environment, among other possible factors. The onset, duration and severity of the illness can range from asymptomatic (i.e., no signs) to severe symptoms, which can result in pneumonia and, in a few cases, death. Emphasis must be made that only a very small percentage of dogs infected will die from the viral infection.
You can ask your veterinarian for the suitability of flu testing, which will contribute to a definitive diagnosis of canine flu. Bear in mind that the signs of flu may be the symptoms of an underlying medical condition.
What Are the Modes of Transmission?
Almost all dogs can be infected by the canine flu viruses with the illness tending to spread faster among dogs houses in shelters and kennels, as previously mentioned. Canine flu can spread in several ways including:
- By direct contact via aerosolized respiratory secretions (e.g., sneezing and coughing) from infected dogs
- By moving or sharing contaminated items between uninfected and infected dogs
- By uninfected dogs coming into direct contact with objects contaminated with the flu virus
From these modes of transmission, pet owners and handlers should be vigilant about ensuring minimum contact between uninfected and infected dogs. When a dog starts to show signs of respiratory disease, it should immediately be placed in relative isolation from the rest of the uninfected pets.
But it should not stop there either. Regular hand washing should be done to reduce the risks of transmission between dogs via their human owners or handlers. Clothes, equipment and surfaces should also be regularly cleaned and disinfected after these have been in direct contact with infected dogs.
Note: Always check that the professional pet grooming services provider cleans and disinfects its supplies, materials and equipment in case of suspicion of dog flu in its facilities. PetSmart is one of these types of reliable providers.
You may think that these measures are too much but when you consider the veterinary costs, physical toll, and mental stress that come with sick dogs, you will think otherwise. Let’s just say that prevention is still the monetarily smart move to make.
As with the flu in humans, dogs affected with canine flu will require supportive care for treatment. Supportive care improves your dog’s immune system although medications may also be administered in case of a secondary bacterial infection (i.e., pneumonia).
