Canine Flu FAQ

 Some of you may have heard of a recent outbreak in the “dog flu” this summer. In July of this year, New Jersey reported (Examiner report) nine cases of canine flu. While the article stated the infection has a 100% mortality rate if not treated, veterinary immunologists note this claim is false and should be below 10%.

            Another apparent outbreak was reported in the Fairfax Animal Shelter in Virginia. Six cases were confirmed to have the virus. One fatality was reported in an older patient.  (From the Washington Post)

H3N8 virus, or Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) was first identified in racing greyhounds in Florida in 2004. It is believed that this virus evolved from equine influenza virus and jumped species. When first recognized, CIV was thought to cause a rapid and widespread mortality rate in affected animals. Since that time, it has been seen that the disease behaves much like other influenza viruses, causing intense illness but a low fatality rate when diagnosed and treated appropriately. Cases have been identified in animal shelters, boarding facilities, pet stores, veterinary clinics, humane societies and in privately owned pets. 

1. Can my pet catch the “dog flu”?

-         reports of cases are from dogs that are exposed to high risk situations. Kennels, Shelters, Dog Events, etc. In other words, places where a lot of dogs are at once. If you feel your pet spends a lot of time at areas where lots of dogs are located, your companion has a higher risk of getting infected versus a pet that does not.

2. How do I know if my dog is infected?

-         Symptoms of CIV infection include sneezing, sluggish activity, appetite loss, coughing and wheezing. If a dog is showing these symptoms, owners are urged to contact their veterinarians for testing. 

3. There is a test for “dog flu”?

-         There is a test available to determine if your pet does have the virus. So if your pet has these symptoms already, your veterinarian should consider testing for it.

4. My neighbor has a dog that is sick with these symptoms. Can my dog catch it?

-  It is said once the virus infects a dog, it takes 2 days to manifest symptoms. Dogs can shed the virus for 7-10 days once signs are observed. In other words, if a dog has symptoms, it can pass the virus to another dog up to a week and a half. After this period, they are NOT considered infectious.

5. Can a dog die from the flu?

-         Few cases result in death, and those cases are resulting from severe pneumonia. The virus weakens the immune system and bacteria start infecting the lungs. Most cases do resolve with prompt treatment.

6. Can I catch the flu from my dog?

-         No. Fortunately this virus cannot infect humans. We got enough flu viruses, don’t we? Your cat companions appear to be spared as well. 

7. Is there a vaccine for dog flu?

-         There is a vaccine for dog flu. Developed by Schering –Plough, the regimen for best effectiveness is to give two doses. One is to repeated two to four weeks after initial inoculation. 

8. Should I get the vaccine for my dog? Are there side effects?
   1. If you feel your pet gets exposed to many dogs frequently it would be worth getting the vaccine for your dog. While there has not been any reported side effect of the vaccine, any vaccine can potentially cause side effects such as lethargy and temporary illness. We always urge our clients to call us if symptoms of vaccine related illness occur.