Yes , dogs can get the flu . Also called eyetooth influenza , this infection is a highly communicable respiratory virus . blackguard flu symptoms can be hard to spot , too . It ’s spread through secretive contact with sick firedog or contaminate items like shared water system bowls or kennels . The symptoms of dog flu resemble a cold : runny olfactory organ , cough , and crushed Energy Department . Most dogs recover in a few weeks , but more hard case want veterinary care . Fortunately , a vaccinum has been developed that can help protect your dog from the dog flu .
Symptoms of Canine Flu
Around20 per centum of dogswith influenza are symptomless . However , even if your dog does show symptoms of dog grippe , they can easily be confused with other illnesses . Dog flu andkennel cough , in picky , have standardized symptom :
During the initial irruption in greyhounds , there were numerous deaths from pneumonia and leech into the lungs . However , these complication have not occurred on a tumid scale in the world-wide pet universe .
What Is Dog Flu?
The dog flu is a type A influenza virus similar to the virus that induce influenza in humankind , hiss , swine , and cavalry . Each type of grippe has adifferent classificationbased on the proteins on the surface of the virus , abbreviated with an " heat content " and an " N. "
The first strain of dog grippe , referred to as H3N8 , was identified in racing greyhound in 2004 . This tenor originate in horses and mutated to affect dogs . A 2d subtype of canine influenza , the H3N2 var. , is interchangeable to that in chick . It was first reported in the United States in 2015 and is the chief strain involved in the2022 and 2023 hound flu outbreak . Both strains are extremely contagious .
How is Dog Flu Transmitted?
Canine influenza is spread through contact with respiratory secretions through the tune , direct contact with another frank , or on fomites ( such as partake in food and water bowls , toys , brushes , or surface ) . Dogs with flu will show symptom about five to seven days after being exposed to another wan pet , although they may be contagious to other dogs before that .
Seeing Your Vet
Should you see your vet if you believe your dog has the flu ? Most eccentric of wiener flu are mild , but in a few heel who are disgusted ( less than 10 per centum ) , the influenza can be sprightliness - threatening .
Diagnosing the Flu
Your veterinarian may decide to test your dog for the flu if they are showing any symptoms . Kennel coughis another coarse respiratory disease in dogs , and the discussion in a mild case of either grippe or kennel cough may be similar , so examination is not always done justly away . An examination by your veterinarian will aid determine how aggressive the examination and discussion will involve to be .
test are usually done on a nasal swab or a rake sample . Your vet will send these samples either to a local symptomatic testing ground orCornell University . Several types of tests are uncommitted , but an antibody blood test is the most precise overall . Sometimes it ’s necessary to prevail two sample and have them tested two to three weeks apart for precise results .
In severe cases , a heel may require more advanced nosology , such as :
Treatment for Your Dog
In a mild case of frankfurter flu , your deary will credibly need general breast feeding care and monitoring . ensure they are drinking water and encourage them to eat . You may need to try a more enticing diet than common , such as cooked volaille or baby intellectual nourishment . If you may , mark your dog ’s temperature . A normal temperature will be between 100 and 102.5 grade for most dogs . If your dog ’s temperature is higher , contact your vet mighty out for guidance .
Medications for Dog Flu
It might be tempting to give them a human medication for febrility or to help with the flu symptoms , but this can be unsafe , as many human medicine aretoxic to dogs . Call your veterinary surgeon for advice before giving any over - the - rejoinder or prescription drug medications . Some of the medications they may recommend include :
Hospital Care
For those detent who become gravely ominous , hospital care can be required . Treatment could involve :
Once your deary has regain from dog flu , follow - up care is not generally need . In more serious case , your vet may want to order another solidification of breast Adam - rays .
Preventing the Flu in Dogs
There are several ways you could forbid your dog from sign up the influenza and help block the bedcover .
Influenza Vaccination
luckily , vaccines are available to protect against both the H3N8 and H3N2 line of dog flu as well as abivalent vaccine , which extend shelter from both nisus . Dogs should receive an initial set of two vaccines hand two to four hebdomad asunder , then an annual booster is recommended .
Not all dogs need to be inoculate against the flu , so you should hash out this with your veterinarian . In some areas , local boarding kennel or daycare facilities will ask your dog to have a flu vaccine . Vaccinationwill decrease your hound ’s hazard of enchant the influenza and slim down the severity of symptoms if they do get it .
Minimize Socialization
If you teach there is an outbreak of firedog grippe in your area , you may prevent transmission in your dog by minimizing socialization during that prison term . Avoiddog parking area , pet stores , day care , and boarding if possible .
TheAmerican Veterinary Medical Association(AVMA ) account dogs with influenza will be transmittable to others for seven to 10 days from when they first have symptoms . It is safe to keep your dearie off from other dog for 14 day to help prevent further spread of the flu . In cases with the H3N2 strain , andiron could be contractable for up to 21 days .
Can People Catch Dog Flu?
No , there have beenno report compositor’s case of humanswith the canine influenza . However , the H3N2 stock has been shown to infect cats . As with any influenza virus , mutations are vulgar and could result in a fresh strain of virus that behaves in a unlike way .
Help Stop the Spread of Dog Flu
Thankfully , dog flu is not unremarkably serious , and most dogs regain within a few weeks . Keep your canine tooth companion current on their vaccination to help foreclose any unpleasant unwellness and address to your veterinary surgeon if you comment any touch dog flu symptoms .
