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by Merck Animal Health
What is Canine Influenza Virus?
Hello, pet lovers!Today, let's discuss something that's important to keep our furry friends safe: Canine Influenza Virus(CIV), also known as dog flu! This contagious respiratory infection primarily affects dogs and is mainly caused by the H3N2 strain. While you may have heard about the H3N8 before, it's now considered extinct. So, let's focus on keeping our pups healthy from H3N2.
Symptoms to Watch For:
Being alert to symptoms is key to keeping your dog healthy. Here are some signs that your pup might be feeling under the weather:
Coughing: Watch for a dry, persistent cough.
Nasal Discharge: Is your dog sneezing or have a runny nose?
Fever: A temperature above 102.5°F can be a sign.
Lethargy: Is your usually playful dog feeling more sluggish?
Loss of Appetite: A decrease in interest in food?
Difficulty Breathing: In severe cases, breathing may become labored.
If you notice any of these symptoms, especially if your dog has been around other dogs recently, it’s time to call your vet! (Source: AVMA)
Contagion Levels: What You Should Know
CIV spreads easily among dogs. It’s mainly passed through coughs and sneezes or by sharing toys, bowls, and any solid surfaces. The virus can live on hands for 12 hours, clothes for 24 hours and hard surfaces for 48 hours. Canine influenza is sneaky; your dog can spread it before symptoms are even visible – some dogs never have any symptoms and yet are contagious! (Source: CDC).
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
Vaccination is the best way to keep your dog protected, especially if they belong to one of these groups:
Playful Pooches: Dogs that love daycare, dog parks, outdoor restaurants, training classes, walk on sidewalks or live in apartments buildings etc.
Multi-Dog Households: If you have several furry friends at home, vaccination is a wise choice to keep everyone safe.
Traveling Tails: CIV is occurring every week, and you never know when it might be someplace you are traveling to.
Immune compromised: Pets that are older, have chronic diseases like collapsing trachea, Cushing’s Disease, Diabetes, or others.
The vaccine is usually given in two doses, about two to four weeks apart. Talk with your vet about adding it to your pet’s healthcare routine! (Source: AAHA; Greene's Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat)
Wrap-Up: Keeping Our Furry Friends Healthy!
As loving pet parents, being informed helps us take the best care of our furry companions. If you notice any unusual signs in your dog, don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian. Together, we can ensure our pets stay happy, healthy, and free from canine influenza.
Stay Informed. Stay Safe. Spoil Your Pets! 🐾❤️
For more information and resources, don’t forget to check out the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)and DOGFLU.com!
References:
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). “Canine Influenza (Dog Flu).”
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Dog Flu: Canine Influenza.”
American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). “Canine Influenza.”
Greene, C. E. (2012). Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat. St. Louis: Elsevier.
-This post written and sponsored by Merck Animal Health
