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| Canine Influenza |
What is Canine Influenza?
Canine Influenza is a newly emerging infectious disease caused by a "flu" virus. In
dogs, a highly contagious strain of the influenza A virus known as H3N8 is able to cause
respiratory illness. Other strains of the influenza A virus are responsible for causing infections in birds, horses, pigs,
and people.
How contagious is canine influenza?
Just like human flu, canine influenza is highly contagious. In fact, unless a dog has already had the illness and
recovered, virtually every dog exposed to the virus will become infected. This is because the virus is relatively new,
and dogs have no natural immunity to it.
What are the signs of canine influenza?
About 80% of dogs who show signs of influenza will have mild disease. The most common sign of canine influenza is a
persistent cough which can last more than a month. Other signs include a low-grade fever, nasal discharge, lack of
energy, loss of appetite.
How serious is canine influenza?
Canine influenza is usually mild but can become quite serious in some dogs. In about 20% of the cases, more severe
signs will occur, such as a high fever and pneumonia. A small number dogs infected with the virus have died from
complications associated with the disease.
Is my dog at risk for infection?
Most dogs, regardless of breed or age, are at risk for canine influenza. However, certain venues and activities can
raise your dog's risk of canine influenza infection even higher. Review this list of questions to see if any of these
places or activities apply to your pet.
Does your dog:
*Come from a shelter, rescue center, breeding kennel,
or pet store?
*Board at a kennel or go to a dogie daycare?
*Attend group training or "puppy kindergarten"?
*Visit a groomer, dog parks, or engage with other
dogs on daily walks?
*Enter dog events?
*Come into contact with other dogs in the waiting room
during visits to your veterinary clinic?
How is canine influenza spread?
Canine influenza spreads the same way human influenza spreads - through direct contact (kissing, licking, nuzzling);
through the air (coughing, or sneezing); and via contaminated surfaces (such as when a person picks up the virus on their
hands or clothing, then touches or pets a dog). Spread can also occur if that same person touches and contaminates
another surface such as a doorknob.
How can I protect my dog from canine influenza?
Protection starts by keeping your dog in good general health. A well-nourished, well-rested, and well-cared-for pet will
have a stronger immune system to help fight off infection. When you must board your pet, make sure the facility is
clean, well-maintained, and that there is an influenza outbreak management plan in place.
Recently, a new canine influenza vaccine - the first of it's kind- was approved for use in the U.S.. Canine Influenza
Vaccine, H3N8 from Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health has been clinically proven to significantly reduce the
severity of influenza and length of time that a dog is sick. The initial vaccination requires 2 doses, 2-4 weeks apart,
followed by annual revaccination. If your dog is presently being vaccinated for Bordetella (kennel cough), it is a likely
candidate for Canine Influenza, H3N8.
Your veterinarian can advise you whether this new influenza vaccine should be added to your dog's vaccination schedule.
Is the new canine influenza vaccine safe?
The new vaccine was proven safe and well tolerated in over 700 dogs. There were over 30 breeds ranging in age form
6 weeks to 10 years.
Where can I learn more about canine influenza?
Your veterinarian is the best person to answer any further questions you have about canine influenza. In addition, you
may find it helpful to explore these websites for more information.....
www.doginfluenza.com www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/canine_bgnd.asp
www.sheltermedicine.com/portal/is_canine_influenza_update.shtml
www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dog-care-canine-flu-question-and-answer.html
Canine Influenza is a newly emerging infectious disease caused by a "flu" virus. In
dogs, a highly contagious strain of the influenza A virus known as H3N8 is able to cause
respiratory illness. Other strains of the influenza A virus are responsible for causing infections in birds, horses, pigs,
and people.
How contagious is canine influenza?
Just like human flu, canine influenza is highly contagious. In fact, unless a dog has already had the illness and
recovered, virtually every dog exposed to the virus will become infected. This is because the virus is relatively new,
and dogs have no natural immunity to it.
What are the signs of canine influenza?
About 80% of dogs who show signs of influenza will have mild disease. The most common sign of canine influenza is a
persistent cough which can last more than a month. Other signs include a low-grade fever, nasal discharge, lack of
energy, loss of appetite.
How serious is canine influenza?
Canine influenza is usually mild but can become quite serious in some dogs. In about 20% of the cases, more severe
signs will occur, such as a high fever and pneumonia. A small number dogs infected with the virus have died from
complications associated with the disease.
Is my dog at risk for infection?
Most dogs, regardless of breed or age, are at risk for canine influenza. However, certain venues and activities can
raise your dog's risk of canine influenza infection even higher. Review this list of questions to see if any of these
places or activities apply to your pet.
Does your dog:
*Come from a shelter, rescue center, breeding kennel,
or pet store?
*Board at a kennel or go to a dogie daycare?
*Attend group training or "puppy kindergarten"?
*Visit a groomer, dog parks, or engage with other
dogs on daily walks?
*Enter dog events?
*Come into contact with other dogs in the waiting room
during visits to your veterinary clinic?
How is canine influenza spread?
Canine influenza spreads the same way human influenza spreads - through direct contact (kissing, licking, nuzzling);
through the air (coughing, or sneezing); and via contaminated surfaces (such as when a person picks up the virus on their
hands or clothing, then touches or pets a dog). Spread can also occur if that same person touches and contaminates
another surface such as a doorknob.
How can I protect my dog from canine influenza?
Protection starts by keeping your dog in good general health. A well-nourished, well-rested, and well-cared-for pet will
have a stronger immune system to help fight off infection. When you must board your pet, make sure the facility is
clean, well-maintained, and that there is an influenza outbreak management plan in place.
Recently, a new canine influenza vaccine - the first of it's kind- was approved for use in the U.S.. Canine Influenza
Vaccine, H3N8 from Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health has been clinically proven to significantly reduce the
severity of influenza and length of time that a dog is sick. The initial vaccination requires 2 doses, 2-4 weeks apart,
followed by annual revaccination. If your dog is presently being vaccinated for Bordetella (kennel cough), it is a likely
candidate for Canine Influenza, H3N8.
Your veterinarian can advise you whether this new influenza vaccine should be added to your dog's vaccination schedule.
Is the new canine influenza vaccine safe?
The new vaccine was proven safe and well tolerated in over 700 dogs. There were over 30 breeds ranging in age form
6 weeks to 10 years.
Where can I learn more about canine influenza?
Your veterinarian is the best person to answer any further questions you have about canine influenza. In addition, you
may find it helpful to explore these websites for more information.....
www.doginfluenza.com www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/canine_bgnd.asp
www.sheltermedicine.com/portal/is_canine_influenza_update.shtml
www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dog-care-canine-flu-question-and-answer.html
