Just like people, dogs can get flu and more and more dogs are coming down with canine influenza as the illness has emerged and spread throughout North America in just the past 6 years. And just like with people, the infectious respiratory disease can range from mild symptoms to potentially life-threatening ones.
So what are the symptoms to look out for and what should you do to prevent your dog getting sick, or if he/she does, how should you care for them?
WHAT IS DOG FLU?
Canine Influenza, otherwise known as dog flu, was first seen in the United States in 2004 in racing greyhounds in Florida. The CIV H3N8 strain has now spread to over 38 states and commonly occurs in the canine population. Genetic analysis shows the virus is closely related to equine influenza, and as greyhounds and race horses often are around the same racetracks, speculation is that canine influenza evolved from the equine virus and jumped from horses to dogs.
In 2015, an outbreak of a new strain of dog flu emerged. This strain referred to as CIV H3N2 is of avian origin and not related to the earlier CIV H3N8 virus.
Dogs of any age can be affected, and because the viruses are relatively new, there is little to no natural immunity in the canine population. Virtually all dogs that are exposed to the virus become infected and nearly 80% show clinical signs of disease. The virus is highly contagious, but thankfully has a low mortality rate. There is no “season” for it, and it spreads year round. Dogs highest at risk are those grouped together, the very young, the very old and the immune-compromised. The disease does not affect humans.
The virus spreads through respiratory secretions (e.g. saliva and mucous) and contaminated objects and surfaces (e.g. kennel surfaces, food, water bowls, collars and leashes). People also spread it moving between infected and uninfected dogs without proper precautions or hygiene.
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