Many pet owners do not realize that humans aren’t the only ones who can get the flu. Dog vaccines are the only best defense against canine influenza.

This disease is, in fact, a real thing that can quickly turn into a serious illness if not treated right away. Canine influenza is a contagious respiratory disease in dogs caused by certain strains of the influenza virus known to infect dogs, and it is something every dog owner should be aware of. Whether you just got a new pup or it’s time to bring your dog in for a checkup and his or her dog vaccines, be sure and ask your vet about a vaccine for the flu.

What Is Canine Influenza?

Canine influenza is a virus in dogs derived from H3N8, a highly contagious strain of influenza. Unlike most other flu viruses, canine influenza is only known to affect dogs. It is not only one of the viral causes of kennel cough, but also it is highly contagious to other dogs and has affected thousands of them across the United States.

It is a relatively new virus, which is one of the main reasons why most dogs have not yet been exposed to it. Because of this, it is all the more important that your pooch receives a vaccination for canine influenza. Unlike other viruses, dogs have not been exposed to this particular strain of virus before, making it far more difficult for the body to recognize it and fight it off.

What are the Signs of Canine Influenza?

Symptoms may vary from case to case, but here is a look at a few of the most common signs of canine influenza:

Persistent cough which may last up to a month
Low-grade fever
Nasal discharge
Lack of energy
Loss of appetite

It is important to keep in mind that not all dogs will show signs of illness. In many cases, canine influenza is mistaken for kennel cough. For these reasons, it is important that you contact your vet right away if you notice any of the above symptoms.

How is Canine Influenza Diagnosed?

As we mentioned, the symptoms of canine influenza oftentimes resemble that of kennel cough, making the flu virus very hard to diagnose. If your vet fears your dog may have contracted canine influenza, he or she will collect blood and nasal swab samples, and then run tests in order to confirm the virus. If these samples are taken during the appropriate time in the course of the disease, the tests will clearly indicate whether or not canine influenza is present. If not, these tests are still proven to be effective.

Is there a Vaccine?

Thankfully, yes. There is an approved dog vaccine to protect them against H3N8 and it is available in the United States. It is not yet known whether the vaccine protects dogs against a second strain of canine influenza, H3N2, but for H3N8 it is the most effective.

Talk to your vet today if you have any other questions or concerns about canine influenza and dog vaccines.

Creative Commons Attribution: Permission is granted to repost this article in its entirety with credit to Sykesville Veterinary Clinic and a clickable link back to this page.

Image courtesy of tuelekza at FreeDigitalPhotos.net