In early January 2018, two cases of canine influenza or “dog flu” were reported in Ontario. The two dogs confirmed to be infected were rescue dogs from South Korea that arrived in Canada through the United States. Five other dogs living in close contact in the same home became infected as well, but keeping the animals isolated appears to have prevented the disease from becoming more wide spread. While these were the first cases to occur in this country, canine influenza has been common in Asia for several years and there have been several outbreaks in the US.

Canine Flu in Canada- Will it Affect My Dog?

So why should dog owners familiarize themselves with “dog flu”? Because with people and dogs travelling frequently to and from areas where the flu occurs, it is really only a matter of time before we start seeing more cases in Canada. Infected dogs can shed the virus for 2-4 days before showing signs of illness, so animals that come in contact with them can become infected before anyone realizes the dog is sick.

How worried should dog owners be? Like influenza in people, the canine “flu” is highly contagious and most dogs that come in close contact with an infected dog are likely to contract the virus. Because most transmission from dog to dog happens by aerosol secretions (spread by coughing and sneezing), places where many dogs congregate are often the source for spreading the illness. Boarding kennels, doggie daycare, dog parks, dog shows, grooming salons and even vet clinics are some examples.

The virus can survive on surfaces and people’s clothing for up to 24-48 hours. Objects that a sick dog comes in contact with can be a source of infection as well.

What Can I Do to Prevent it?

Avoid taking your dog to popular dog spots during an outbreak. Disinfecting surfaces, washing your hands, and changing or washing your clothes after contacting another dog can go a long way toward preventing spread of the disease. 

What Dogs are at Risk?

While working to help prevent the spread of influenza, it is important to remember that, as with people, most dogs will have a relatively mild course of illness, and a full recovery after 10-14 days or so. This respiratory condition can, however, be severe with some dogs developing pneumonia. Unfortunately in some cases, canine influenza does prove fatal, even with good supportive care. Puppies, elderly dogs and those with weakened immune systems are of most concern, so owners would want to be extra careful.

Canine Flu Symptoms

What does dog flu look like? The most common signs of illness include lethargy and fever, coughing and sneezing with a runny nose. Keeping a close eye on your dog will help alert you to signs that he or she may have developed the illness, allowing you to seek supportive care from your veterinarian. As with other viruses, influenza does not respond to antibiotics, although they may be used in those dogs that develop a secondary bacterial pneumonia.

How Can I Help My Dog Recover?

What can you do to help prevent your dog from getting sick, or to recover more quickly if they do develop canine influenza? There is a non-core vaccine available that may be recommended for some high risk individuals in the face of an outbreak of dog “flu”. Originally developed for the H3N8 strain of the influenza virus, it is unknown how well it may cross protect against the more recent H2N3 strain. Like the human influenza vaccine, it does not prevent infection, though it may help reduce the severity and duration of illness, and may reduce virus shedding.

Building the Immune System

For most dogs we want ensure they have a strong immune system. Feeding a fresh, species appropriate diet, providing regular exercise, and reducing stress are always important. Immune supportive and anti-viral herbs, medicinal mushrooms, as well as nutraceuticals and homeopathic remedies can be used before infection occurs to bolster the immune system, and can also help with recovery from illness.

Neither the  H3N8 or the H2N3 strains of canine influenza affect people, though the H2N3 strain is thought to be able to affect cats.

Being informed helps us not to panic in the event an outbreak of dog flu occurs, but to be aware of what to look for and how to take steps to protect and care for our furry friends.