Ever look at your pup and have the feeling that she’s not feeling so hot? She might lay around more than usual, walk a little slower, and be less reactive to outside stimuli. The flu has been going around in humans, so could it be possible that she’s got the flu? The short answer is yes. 

Dog flu is a respiratory infection in dogs caused by the canine influenza virus (CIV). It is highly contagious and can spread quickly from dog to dog. 

The dog flu, however, is not transferable between dogs and humans. Let’s take a closer look at how this virus spreads and what steps you can take to keep your pooch safe. 

The Seven Telltale Signs of Dog Flu 

Although it’s not uncommon for dogs to have mild cases of canine flu, there are certain signs to look out for if you suspect your pup may be infected. The seven most common symptoms of canine influenza include the following:

1. Cough
2. Fever
3. Sneezing
4. Eye discharge
5. Runny nose
6. Reduced appetite
7. Lethargy

It’s important to note that not all of these signs may be present upon initial diagnosis. The severity of the illness can range from seeing no signs to seeing all the signs. More severe cases can lead to bacterial infections that might develop into pneumonia and death. Other canine illnesses have similar symptoms to dog flu, so consult a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis at the first sign of symptoms. 

Recovering From Canine Influenza

Recovery time for most dogs is two to three weeks, but as stated above, more severe cases can lead to further infection and, thus, take longer to recover from. Upon diagnosis, your vet will prescribe your pup a regimen ranging from rest and extra fluids to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to help lower a fever and antibiotics for any secondary bacterial infections. What’s most important is to consult a veterinarian so they can help determine the best next course of action.

How Can I Prevent My Pup From Getting the Flu? 

Vaccinating your pup is one of the best ways to prevent him from contracting this virus. Vaccines are available for both H3N8 and H3N2 strains of dog flu. A bivalent vaccine (CIV) is also available and offers protection against both strains.

Since dog flu is highly contagious among dogs, along with vaccinating your pup, you’ll want to make sure not to expose your dog to other pups who might have canine influenza. If you or your dog come in contact with other animals, here are a few prevention tips to keep everyone safe.

1. Wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer after handling other animals
2. Don’t share food bowls with other pets
3. Regularly clean and disinfect your pup’s toys, food bowls, and beds
4. Wash your clothes if you’ve made contact with an infected dog, as the virus is active for 24 hours

How &Pup Is Preventing the Spread of Dog Flu at The Park

At &Pup, the safety and health of our members are integral. The member standard requires that all dogs be fully vaccinated for Bordatella, which is one of the more common causes of dog flu. Additionally, we also offer complimentary Canine Influenza vaccination to our members. 

&Pup abides by a strict disinfecting protocol at the park, which requires it to be cleaned daily with Rescue, a veterinarian-approved disinfectant, to prevent spread of any infectious disease. 

You Can Prevent Dog Flu

Although canine influenza is a serious virus that can cause severe illness in some pups, being vigilant about preventive measures can protect your pet. Just as you would with the flu in humans, be aware of your routines and see a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. Doing so will save lives!

To learn more about &Pup’s park protocol, click here.