10/17/2023
Dog flu, or canine influenza virus, is a contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza A virus strains, affecting dogs similarly to humans. In the United States, there are two known strains: H3N8, originally from horses and H3N2, which likely came from birds. Canine influenza spreads through airborne respiratory secretions and contaminated objects or direct contact with infected individuals. The incubation period is 2-4 days, with viral shedding lasting up to 10 days for H3N8 and up to 26 days for H3N2. Notably, 20-25% of infected dogs may remain asymptomatic carriers.
Common symptoms include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, runny eyes, fever, lethargy, and difficulty breathing, with no specific seasonality. There's no cure for dog flu, and treatment is supportive, including fluids, anti-inflammatory medication, and antibiotics for secondary infections. Preventing the spread of dog flu entails good hygiene practices, avoiding infected dogs, and considering vaccinations for high-risk situations like kennel stays or travel to dog shows.