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Canine influenza, often known as dog flu, is a contagious respiratory disease in dogs caused by Type A influenza viruses that have been identified as infecting canines. These viruses are known as canine influenza viruses. Canine influenza is an illness that affects dogs. There are two types of influenza A viruses in dogs: one is an H3N8 virus, and the other is an H3N2.

Horses are the source of the H3N8 strain. Around 2004, when the first epidemics struck racing Greyhounds at a Florida track, the virus moved from horses to dogs, becoming canine influenza virus. H3N2, on the other hand, is thought to have originated in Asia and spread from birds to dogs. H3N2 is the virus that caused the canine influenza outbreaks in the Midwest in 2015 and 2016.

Canine influenza affecting the dog
credit:dogtime.com

Spreading of canine influenza

The virus that causes canine influenza is very easy to spread. Sneezing, coughing, and nasal discharge spread CIV, as do contaminated things including kennel walls and floors, food and water bowls, collars and leashes, and the clothing and skin of individuals who come into touch with diseased dogs. CIV can live for up to 48 hours on skin and hands, 24 hours on clothing, and 12 hours on surfaces. The canine influenza virus has no season, thus infections can happen at any time.

The incubation period for canine influenza is two to four days after initial contact with the virus. After the fourth day, viral shedding begins to diminish, although dogs with H3N8 can be infectious for up to 10 days after exposure, while dogs with H3N2 can be infectious for up to 26 days. To limit the danger of transmission, most veterinarians recommend isolating dogs with H3N2 for at least 21 days.

The dog is suffering from canine influenza and is covered with towel
credit:akc.org

Almost all dogs who come into touch with the disease will get sick, however, not all affected dogs will display symptoms. Although about 20-25 percent of sick dogs are asymptomatic, they can still spread the disease. Even though the majority of infected dogs have a mild form of canine influenza and recover without complications, some dogs acquire severe, life-threatening pneumonia.

Diagnosis

Canine influenza cannot be identified only on the basis of clinical indicators since it is so similar to other respiratory illnesses. A nasal swab for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test can be submitted to a veterinary diagnostic lab if a veterinarian sees a dog during the first few days of the development of clinical indications.

If the PCR test comes out positive, the dog is most certainly infected with Canine Influenza Virus. PCR results are less likely to be accurate after four days of sickness. Blood testing for Canine Influenza Virus antibodies should be done at this point. Serology is a sort of testing that involves comparing antibody levels two to three weeks apart.

Symptoms of canine influenza

The following are the symptoms of canine influenza

  • Breathing difficulties
  • Nasal discharge
  • Coughing which includes both moist and dry
  • Sneezing
  • Purulent nasal discharge
  • Runny eyes
  •  Fever
  • Lethargy

Treatment and prevention of canine influenza

A dog receiving treatment from canine influenza
credit:longanimal.com

Dog flu has no known cure. Treatment is supportive, and your veterinarian can advise you on how to make your dog as comfortable as possible throughout his illness and recuperation. Some dogs may require supportive care, such as water and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, to aid in their recuperation. Your veterinarian will assist you in developing a diet plan and may prescribe medications to treat subsequent bacterial illnesses.

Depending on the strain of the virus your dog develops, your veterinarian can also advise you on proper quarantine methods to avoid the spread of dog flu, as well as disinfectant remedies to use in your home to help kill the virus.

The easiest method to keep your dog safe from canine flu is to keep him away from public locations or kennels where cases have recently been reported. This reduces the danger of infection spreading from you to your dog. In order for dogs to generate a sufficient immune response and recover faster, good nutrition and husbandry are essential. Canine influenza vaccinations are available for both the H3N8 and H3N2 viruses. Depending on your lifestyle, your veterinarian may recommend the immunization.

 

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The dog flu is a type of influenza virus that affects dogs. It is also called canine influenza; Canine Influenza in Dogs. The disease can be caused by several strains of the influenza A virus, which are similar to the strain that infects people.

H3N8 and H3N2 are strains of the virus that causes dog flu. The virus primarily infects dogs’ respiratory systems, making them extremely contagious. While some dogs become very ill with dog flu, others can be exposed to the virus and fight off infection without ever getting sick.

Dogs with viral canine influenza lying on a couch

The H3N8 strain actually originated in horses, then jumped to dogs. It became a canine influenza virus around 2004 when the first outbreaks affected racing Greyhounds at a track in Florida. While H3N8 is a North American virus, H3N2 originated in Asia. Scientists believe the virus jumped from birds to dogs. This version of the flu appeared in 2015 and 2016 during outbreaks in the Midwest and continues to spread throughout the United States.

How the Virus Spread?

Dog flu is an airborne (or aerosol) virus. Respiratory secretions, like coughing, barking, and sneezing, are released into the environment in the form of an infectious cloud that can be inhaled by other dogs. The virus can also spread through contact with contaminated objects or surfaces like water bowls, collars, and kennels.

Dogs that live together in close proximity are more likely to spread kennel cough than dogs that do not. This is because when one dog catches the disease, he will begin barking and coughing, which can easily infect others in the same area. This is made even more dangerous by the fact that most dogs contract kennel cough during an incubation period where they show symptoms.

The incubation period for dog flu is 2-to-4 days from exposure. Dogs with H3N8 shed the virus for up to 10 days, while dogs with H3N2 shed the virus for up to 26 days. Most vets recommend isolating dogs with H3N2 for at least 21 days in order to reduce the risk of transmission and keep monitoring the situation.

Not all dogs who are infected with the flu virus display symptoms. Of those infected, 20- 25% show no signs of illness, but can still spread the disease. If your dog is sick, but his companion seems unaffected, remember that he could be carrying the virus.

Symptoms of Canine Influenza in Dogs

Dog flu is a contagious respiratory infection of dogs. Symptoms include: coughing, sneezing, fever, running and red eye, running nose, nasal discharge, breathing difficulty and anorexia. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most cases of dog flu are mild, but severe cases do occur. The mortality rate is relatively low; less than 10 percent of dog flu cases result in fatalities.

A dog showing symptoms of canine influenza

Diagnosis of Canine Influenza

The only way to confirm canine influenza is through a blood test. In most cases, a blood sample will be taken after the animal develops symptoms and again two to three weeks later. Then they will most likely treat your dog based on what symptoms she has shown.

Treatment and Prevention of Canine Influenza

The most effective way to keep your dog from getting dog flu is to keep him away from public places or kennels with recently reported cases. If you come into contact with a dog that you suspect has dog flu or has recently been exposed to it, maintain a proper hygiene with thorough cleaning before touching your pet.

A dog undergoing treatment for canine influenza

The mild form of canine influenza can be treated at home. Dogs with the mild form usually recover on their own. For more severe cases, treatment may include antibiotics, fluids or oxygen therapy. Dog suspected to have canine influenza should be isolated, as dog flu is not contagious to human or other species.

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