Linda Lou Blog Dog, reporting for duty! Today I have a Public Health Announcement. By now, you’ve probably heard about the great Minnesota outbreak of Canine Influenza earlier this year. You know, the one that shut down several shelters a while back? Well, we continue to experience small outbreaks of suspected Canine Influenza throughout the state, and I am here to fill you in on everything you need to know to protect your pups.
What is Canine Influenza?
The Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) is a Type A influenza virus. There are two strains: H3N3 and H3N8. Both strains are transmitted through respiratory secretions from coughing, barking or sneezing. Droplets can disperse up to four feet from their source, and dogs who come into close contact with other dogs (for example, at grooming salons, dog parks, kennels and doggy daycare) are at much higher risk than those that are homebodies.
The virus can also be spread through direct contact with contaminated sources. There are no documented cases of humans ever being infected with Influenza A, but people who have been around infected animals may carry the flu virus home to their dogs. The virus can remain alive on surfaces for 48 hours, on clothing for 24 hours, and on unwashed hands for 12 hours. So wash your hands, people!
Symptoms
If your dog starts to show clinical signs of CIV, contact your vet. These signs are usually mild, and may include:
- Coughing/sneezing
- Fever
- Eye/nose discharge
- Poor appetite
- Lethargy
- Excessive throat clearing
- Shortness of breath
Most dogs will experience these mild symptoms for a few weeks. There is a more severe type of CIV infection that can cause pneumonia, secondary infections, fever, and an increased rate of respiration (panting, heavy/fast breathing). Keep your vet updated on how your dog is doing, and contact an emergency clinic if you suspect any of these more severe symptoms.
Symptoms usually start two to four days after a dog is exposed to CIV. Not all dogs who contract the virus will be symptomatic. Both symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs can shed the virus for 7-21 days after infection.
Treatment
Treatment for Canine Influenza consists of supportive care. Dogs who have been infected need plenty of rest, fluids, and possibly antibiotics. The Canine Influenza vaccine will not prevent CIV infection, but it may lessen the severity of symptoms (just like the flu vaccine for humans) and may also make a dog less infectious to other dogs. Any dog who is suspected to have CIV should isolate from other animals for 30 days.
Prevention
You can protect your pup from Canine Influenza by keeping them a safe distance from other dogs, personally avoiding contact with sick dogs (in case you bring the virus home to your pets), and vaccinating them with the CIV vaccine.
House Paws currently has a bivalent vaccine in stock, which protects against both the H3N3 and H3N8 strains. Our doctors are considering it to be a “lifestyle” vaccine, meaning that a dog is a good candidate if their everyday activities or environment would put them at risk. Dogs that may benefit from the CIV vaccine include those who spend time with other dogs, are immunocompromised, have heart or lung disease, are seniors, and are brachycephalic (the flat-faced breeds like bulldogs and pugs). If you decide to have your canine companion vaccinated, they will need to receive two vaccinations, separated two to four weeks apart. We expect that the vaccine will need to be repeated on an annual basis, but recommendations may change.
My mom decided not to vaccinate me or my sisters, because we are total homebodies. My friend, Bodie, is vaccinated though because he goes to the boarding facility whenever his humans travel. If you feel that your dog may benefit from the canine influenza vaccine, contact your vet clinic to discuss the pros and cons of this vaccination.
Later,
Linda “Homebody” Lou
Blog Dog
