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 Canine Influenza Virus A contagious respiratory infection
How is it transmitted? - Respiratory secretions in the air from coughing or sneezing by infected dogs
- Contaminated surfaces
- People who have been in contact with an infected dog
The virus can live in the environment and on surfaces for up to 48 hours, on hands and clothing for up to 24 hours.
What are the symptoms? - Coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, sometimes fever (resembles “kennel cough”)
- 20% of infected dogs show no symptoms, but can still spread the virus.
- Dogs are most contagious during the 2-4 day incubation period before they show signs of the disease. They will continue to be contagious for 7-10 days after exposure to the virus.
How dangerous is the canine flu? - Most dogs recover without complications in 2-3 weeks.
- Secondary bacterial infections that may occur can be treated.
- Some dogs get pneumonia, which generally responds to antibiotics and intravenous hydration.
- The mortality rate is under 5%.
How do you prevent it? - Disinfectants and bleach solutions that are normally used in veterinary, boarding, and shelter facilities can kill the virus.
- Staff in these facilities and others who work with dogs should wash their hands with soap and water after cleaning dog secretions (saliva, urine, feces, blood) or surfaces (crates, bowls, leashes, collars) and between encounters with dogs.
- If you come into contact with a dog that you know has been infected or that is coughing or sneezing, change and wash your clothes, wash your hands with soap, and put disinfectant on your hands and on surfaces and equipment.
- Dogs that have been exposed to infected dogs or that have symptoms should be isolated for 2 weeks.
- A canine influenza vaccine may help exposed dogs develop less severe symptoms and be less contagious to other dogs. The vaccine is not being recommended for every dog, but only for those that are frequently around other unknown dogs. Talk to your vet about whether the vaccine is appropriate for your dog.
Information in this summary is taken from two websites, Dogtopia at White Flint, where we run our training classes, and the American Veterinary Medical Association. For more information about the canine flu, go to these links: |
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