• Canine influenza is a highly contagious virus respiratory virus that affects only dogs. This virus is not seasonal, like most human influenza, and dogs can become infected year round.  The virus is endemic in Florida and several other states, which means that it is present in the Florida canine population and is here to stay.

Where did canine influenza come from?

• The virus that causes equine influenza adapted itself to infect dogs.  The first cases were reported in Florida in January 2004 at a racing greyhound track.

• Infective virus is found in respiratory secretions and on surfaces of objects and people that come into contact with infected dogs.  The virus can live on surfaces for 48 hours, clothing for 24 hours and hands for 12 hours.  Infected dogs shed the most virus during the incubation period which occurs for 2-4 days after exposure to the virus.  During the incubation period most dogs do not show any signs of infection, making detection difficult.    Virus shedding continues for 7-10 days after infection.  Because canine influenza is a new disease in dogs, all dogs regardless of age and breed are susceptible due to a lack of natural immunity.

• Virtually all dogs exposed to canine influenza become infected.  The primary risk factor for exposure to canine influenza is contact with other dogs.  Dogs that frequent boarding kennels, dogs shows, dog parks, groomers, obedience classes, pet shows, doggie daycares and animal shelters are at the highest risk, but infection can occur wherever dogs come into close contact.

• During the incubation phase (2-4 days after exposure to the virus) dogs are shedding virus but do not exhibit clinical signs. After the incubation period 80% of dogs will develop clinical disease - the other 20% will not develop signs of disease but will continue to shed virus. Signs of influenza are similar to kennel cough.  Most dogs are infected have mild signs which include a cough that lasts for 10-30 days.  Many dogs will have a low grade fever and nasal discharge.  A small number of dogs will develop severe infection which results in a high grade fever and pneumonia.  Death has been reported in 1-5% of dogs affected with the severe form of influenza.  Most dogs recover from influenza infection in 2-4 weeks.

• There is no specific treatment for canine influenza.  Treatment is focused on supportive care - good nutrition and hydration.  In some cases antibiotics are indicated to prevent secondary bacterial infections, and cough suppressants are sometimes indicated.    

• Because the signs of influenza mimic kennel cough, accurate diagnosis based on clinical signs is difficult.  Several tests are available for influenza, however the results are often not available until after the infection has run its course.  Confirming influenza infection is not always needed in an individual dogs, as accurate diagnosis does not usually impact treatment decisions. 

• Vaccination for canine influenza is now available for at risk dogs.  Vaccination may not completely prevent disease in all cases but has been shown to decrease severity and duration of infection.  Vaccination also decreases viral shedding which decreases transmission of the infection to other dogs.  The best way to prevent influenza infection is to avoid contact with other dogs, however this is not practical or possible for many pets.  Good hygiene (ie. hand washing) after handling other dogs is recommended.  Dogs exhibiting flu-like signs should be kept away from other dogs until their signs resolve.

• The vaccine for canine influenza contains inactivated whole virus and is given by subcutaneous injection.  The first time your dog receives influenza vaccine he/she will need a booster vaccine 2-4 weeks later.  After the initial series of 2 vaccines, you dog should receive the influenza vaccine yearly.  Puppies over 6 weeks old are able to receive the vaccine.  Pregnant dogs and dogs that are heavily parasitized should not be vaccinated.  No adverse vaccine reactions have been reported yet, however it is possible that swelling at the injection site and fever could result from vaccination.

• We are requiring all dogs who enter our kennel to receive canine influenza vaccination, in addition to the normally required vaccines. 
• As always, we do not allow dogs with signs of respiratory disease into our kennel - these dogs are isolated from the general kennel population.  We continue to follow very strict hygiene and disinfection protocols in our hospital and kennel to prevent disease transmission.
• We recommend dogs with increased risk be vaccinated for influenza.  These are dogs that board in kennels, go to the groomers, visit dog parks, attend doggie daycares, show dogs and other with increased contact with other dogs.  

• If you suspect canine influenza infection, please contact our office to have your pet examined.  Please leave your pet outside the hospital while you check in to prevent disease transmission to the other pets in our waiting room.  Our doctors will evaluate your dog to determine what treatment and testing is appropriate for your pet.

For more information on canine influenza, contact one of our veterinarians at Animal Medcial Hospital in Saint Petersburg Florida (FL) at 727-896-7127 and/or follow the links below.

Canine Influenza information from the AVMA

Canine Influenza information from the CDC

Canine Influenza information from the University of Florida