Gone to the Dogs: Canine Influenza: How Can You Protect Your Dogs?

Have you heard the news that Canine Influenza has infected dogs in Chicagoland with record numbers this Spring? Here's what you need to know about this disease.

Nope, they aren't sick.... Just comfortable at home!

Cause and Symptoms
First, canine flu is caused by a virus that attacks a dog's respiratory system. In most (mild) cases, the dog will have a cough which can last from 10 to 30 days. It might be confused with kennel cough, but usually includes additional symptoms: lethargy, decreased appetite, and possibly a fever. The dog may also develop a snotty nose from secondary infection. In the severe form, dogs develop a high fever of 104-106 degrees F, and have difficulty breathing due to pneumonia or inflammation in their lungs.

Try to avoid walking where many other dogs--
and their germs-- frequently go!

Transmission to other dogs
The virus is highly contagious, and just like human influenza, it is passed through respiratory droplets either directly from dog-to-dog, or from contact with inanimate objects. Dogs are most contagious even before they start to show symptoms. The virus can survive on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours, on clothing for 24 hours, and on your hands up to 12 hours. It is inactivated by ordinary disinfectants such as diluted bleach (30:1), laundry detergent at normal laundry temperatures, alcohol-based hand sanitizers, or appropriate hand-washing. Ongoing sanitation procedures need to be maintained in any areas where dogs might be congregating, such as kennels, groomers, day cares, or veterinary offices. Fortunately, this virus has not been found to cause illness in humans.

How dangerous is it? How is it treated?
Treatment for any viral disease is mostly supportive, including providing fluids, if needed, and antibiotics for any secondary bacterial infection. There is no magic cure for the influenza virus. There is a vaccine, but it requires two shots, given 2-4 weeks apart, before it takes hold-- and even then, it will only reduce the severity of illness, not eliminate it completely. The good news is that most dogs recover fully from the illness; the terrible news is that some dogs might die from pneumonia or secondary infection if they are not treated for it.

Can we avoid it?
Although there are no guaranteed ways to avoid the canine flu, your dog will be less likely infected if he is not exposed to sick dogs or items in the environment of sick dogs. Since dogs are contagious even before showing symptoms, if you are concerned about infection you may want to keep your dog away from doggie daycare, groomers, training centers, dog parks, or kennels until the epidemic slows down.

Professional dog walkers or pet sitters can provide your dog with love, attention and exercise without the risk of contamination, provided they wash hands between houses and change clothes if visiting a dog who was sick or coughing.

Also, to prevent the spread of disease: if your dog is sick or isn't acting normally, call your veterinarian and keep the dog isolated from other dogs. Be sure to let any care providers know if your dog is coughing, or might be sick. Click on the infographic to see a larger picture.