Canine influenza is highly contagious, easily spread

Fever, coughing, sneezing, stomachache. We all know someone who has had it. It's the flu. Our dogs can also get a flu, the canine influenza virus.

The AVMA reports information about this viral infection that is highly contagious and affects both dogs and cats. Currently, two strains of canine flu have been identified in the Unites States.

According to the AVMA, influenza viruses can rapidly change and give rise to new strains, which can infect other species. The two strains of canine flu identified in the United States can be traced to strains that infected species other than dogs.

Canine influenza was first identified in racing Greyhounds in 2004. It's thought this strain developed from an equine influenza that jumped from horses to dogs.

In March 2015, one strain of canine influenza was identified in the U.S. following an outbreak of respiratory illness in dogs in the Chicago area. In May 2017, the same strain, canine H3N2 influenza, was identified in dogs in a variety of states, including Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky and Illinois.

The AVMA notes, "There is no evidence that either strain of canine influenza (H3N8 or H3N2) can infect humans."

Canine flu is highly contagious and easily spread from infected dogs to other dogs by direct contact, nasal secretions, coughing, sneezing and barking. Dogs in close contact with infected dogs are at risk of infection.

Canine influenza can also be spread indirectly through objects such as food and water bowls, kennels, leashes and collars or people who have been in contact with infected dogs. It's important for infected objects to be cleaned and disinfected and for people to wash their hands and clean their clothing if they have been in contact with infected animals to avoid spreading the virus. There is no canine influenza season, so it can occur year round.

Canine flu causes an acute respiratory infection in dogs. The AVMA reports, "The most common sign is a cough that persists for 10-21 days despite treatment with antibiotics or cough suppressants."

Dogs may also develop a thick, nasal discharge and a high fever. Other signs can include lethargy, eye discharge and reduced appetite. Most dogs recover from the canine flu within two to three weeks. Although the majority of the dogs infected have a mild form of the flu, some dogs are more severely infected and develop pneumonia, with symptoms of high grade fever and increased respiratory rate.

The AVMA notes, "The majority (80 percent) of infected dogs develop flu-like illness. The mortality (death) rate from canine influenza virus is low (less than 10 percent)."

Vaccines are available for both strains of dog flu virus.

The AVMA reports the vaccination is recommended for dogs who have a an increased exposure to other dogs. This can include boarding your dog, attending social events with dogs present and visiting dog parks.

Talk with your veterinarian about the vaccines and whether you should vaccinate your pet against the dog flu virus.

• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is a volunteer nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization with all funds directly assisting its animals. For information visit thebuddyfoundation.org or call (847) 290-5806.