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AKC Communications

Canine Influenza Virus Notice
Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer of AKC | January 29, 2018

There have been reports of recent pockets of outbreaks of canine Prevention
influenza virus (dog flu) in various parts of the country. As with the • The best prevention is vaccination. There is now a single vaccina-
human influenza, the dog flu will remain with us. The difference now tion to prevent both the H3N2 and H3N8 strains of the virus. The
is that we know what the viruses are that cause two different strains of vaccination requires a booster shot two weeks after the initial
influenza, and that helps veterinarians diagnose and treat the illness vaccine. Vaccines take 3-4 weeks to provide immunity.
properly. There are now vaccines available for both known strains of • Isolate sick animals and keep them isolated for up to 10 days
canine influenza: H3N8 and the more recent H3N2. In fact, you may be after symptoms subside.
able to obtain one vaccine for both. • Practice good sanitation. Use a bleach and water mixture to
disinfect common areas such as tables, bowls, leashes, crates, etc.
Dogs most susceptible to the canine influenza are those that frequent Allow items to thoroughly air dry before exposing dogs to them.
communal activities: competitive dog events, dog parks, grooming • Wash your hands frequently, ideally between handling differ-
shops, day care and boarding facilities, but all dogs can contract the ent dogs. At the very minimum, hand sanitizer should be used
virus from other infected dogs or from vectors (inanimate objects between handling dogs.
such as dog bowls, clothing, etc.) that have recently been exposed • Use disposable gowns or wipe down clothing and shoes with
to the virus. People do NOT become infected from infected influenza a bleach solution between dogs or after leaving an area where
dogs, and dogs do not become infected from infected humans with dogs congregate.
the flu.
Treatment
Though dogs can die of the flu, as in humans, most do not, though • Treatment of canine influenza virus requires veterinary assis-
many will require veterinary attention. The signs of influenza are usu- tance. If you believe your dog may have canine influenza virus,
ally: lethargy, fever, decrease in appetite, cough, runny eyes/nose, pos- please contact your veterinarian immediately. Untreated, the
sibly vomiting. Worsening signs are the development of pneumonia. illness may progress to pneumonia or other, more serious prob-
lems.
As recommended, discussion with your veterinarian regarding • Although most dogs recover from this illness, some otherwise
vaccination for influenza is warranted, especially in the previously healthy dogs have died from it.
mentioned higher risk groups. Also, owners of boarding and day care • Most dogs take 2-3 weeks to recover from the illness.
facilities may require vaccination of dogs frequenting their establish- • Any dog suspected of having canine influenza virus should be
ments due to the high amount of effort required to properly sanitize immediately isolated from other dogs and should not attend dog
and quarantine as well as the possible high economic loss. shows, day care, grooming facilities, dog parks, or other places
dogs gather. Dogs are contagious for 7-10 days after they have
Here is some additional information about canine influenza virus and stopped showing symptoms.
tips for how to minimize the risk and reduce the spread of the disease: • Contact your veterinarian to let them know that your dog may be
showing symptoms of canine influenza virus. If your dog is going
Canine Influenza Virus to a veterinary hospital or clinic, call ahead to let them know you
Canine influenza virus is a highly contagious disease that is easily have a suspected case of canine influenza virus. They may ask
spread through: you to follow a specific protocol before entering the to minimize
• Close proximity to infected dogs the spread of the disease, including waiting in your car until they
• Contact with contaminated items (bowls, leashes, crates, tables, are ready to examine your dog.
clothing) • Keep sick dogs at home and isolated from other dogs and cats
• People moving between infected and uninfected dogs. until you are certain the illness has run its course (typically 3-4
Almost all dogs that are exposed to the virus will contract it, and weeks).
about 80% will show symptoms of the illness.
• Dogs are contagious 3-4 days prior to showing symptoms and Containment
7-10 days after symptoms subside (this may cover a period of • Any dog suspected of having canine influenza virus should be
several weeks). immediately isolated from other dogs and should not attend dog
• Dogs may contract and spread the virus without showing symp- shows, day care, grooming facilities, dog parks, or other places
toms. dogs gather. Dogs are contagious for 7-10 days after they have
• Most dogs will completely recover with proper treatment, but the stopped showing symptoms.
disease can be fatal. • Contact your veterinarian to let them know that your dog may be
• The most likely victims of canine influenza virus are social dogs – showing symptoms of canine influenza virus. If your dog is going
dogs that regularly interact with dogs outside of their own family to a veterinary hospital or clinic, call ahead to let them know you
or frequent places where many dogs gather. have a suspected case of canine influenza virus. They may ask
you to follow a specific protocol before entering the to minimize
Symptoms the spread of the disease, including waiting in your car until they
• Dry, hacking cough (similar to kennel cough) are ready to examine your dog.
• Lack of appetite • Keep sick dogs at home and isolated from other dogs and cats
• Lethargy until you are certain the illness has run its course (typically 3-4
• Discharge from the nose or eyes weeks).
• Fever (normal temperature is 101 – 102)
Reprinted with Permission 2018
akc.org
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