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Flu Season -- is your Dog at Risk?
From the Q1 2010 Edition<< Back to Newsletter
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Comments(10)
The time of year commonly known as 'flu season' is here again. Actually, the flu can occur any time during the year. This year, new influenza viruses and possible risks to our pets have 
resulted in widespread confusion and questions about prevention, symptoms and treatments. A wealth of information exists about H1N1 Swine Flu prevention and treatment for children and adults. But are our pets at risk of getting the Swine Flu? What is Canine Influenza? Can dogs spread it to each other or to us?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Dogs and cats have their own versions of influenza viruses. The canine version is Influenza Type A H3N8; the feline version is Influenza Type A H5N1. (The numbers and letters represent virus types and protein types on the virus surface.)
The Canine Influenza virus was originally an equine virus that was diagnosed over 40 years ago. Since then it has spread from horses-to-dogs and has recently spread from dog-to-dog in two forms -- one is a mild form of the disease while the other is more severe. At this time there is no evidence of Canine Influenza spreading from dogs to any other animal species.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) emphasizes that, because Canine Influenza is a unique pathogen and a newly emerging disease, almost all dogs are susceptible to infection. They claim that some dogs have shown mild (or no) symptoms while others might have severe infections. The disease is often characterized by the onset of pneumonia or other symptoms similar to kennel cough.
To date, there have been no known reports of influenza viruses that have spread from pets to humans and there are no known (reported) cases of dogs contracting the H1N1 Swine Flu virus from humans. Fatal cases of pneumonia as a result of the Canine Influenza virus have been reported but, to date, the fatality rate has reportedly been very low.
Although there have been no known cases of dogs contracting the H1N1 Swine Flu from their owners, two cats and three ferrets were recently reported as having been infected. The clinical signs observed in these animals were coughing and respiratory problems as well as fever, lethargy and loss of appetite -- after their owners became ill. There is no evidence that these infected pets spread the H1N1 Swine Flu virus to any other animals or to people.
Dogs are especially at risk for Canine Influenza where they might gather in large numbers -- at a boarding kennel, a dog park or a dog show. And, people who work at kennels or other types of animal care facilities (including clinics, shelters, adoption centers, pet stores, etc.) can inadvertently transmit canine influenza virus from infected dogs to susceptible dogs by not following proper hygiene. The AVMA offers a list of recommended precautions in this type of animal care environment on their Web site
Last spring a Canine Influenza vaccine (from an inactivated virus) was introduced in the U.S. The 
vaccine was granted a conditional product license by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal Health Inspection Service, through its Center for Veterinary Biologics. The vaccine is intended to aid in the control of the Canine Influenza virus for dogs over six weeks of age as an annual protocol for more comprehensive protection. Under the conditional license, this experimental vaccine is being distributed (as authorized) in individual states, under the supervision of veterinarians. The product will continue to be evaluated by government regulators to establish whether a regular product license will be issued. For more information about this vaccine, check with your veterinarian.
What's the best way to protect your dog from Canine Influenza? Any pets suspected or confirmed to be infected should be evaluated immediately by a veterinarian. The following tips from Lisa Peterson, AKC spokesperson, can help safeguard your dog from the canine flu:
- Avoid contact with unfamiliar dogs when walking your dog out in public.
- When visiting the dog run or town park, keep an eye out for coughing dogs. Since 'canine flu' and Bordetella or 'kennel cough' are both airborne diseases, keeping your dog away from any coughing dog is the best prevention.
- Closely watch for symptoms of canine flu, including a dry cough and a high fever.
- If your dog does exhibit symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately since the virus does have the potential to cause a secondary bacterial infection, such as pneumonia, which can be fatal to some dogs.
- Before you bring your dog to the veterinarian, call and alert them about your dog's symptoms. They may want to set up a separate quarantine area for your dog before your visit. Do not show up unannounced at your vet's office.
For additional information, visit:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/transcripts/t050926.htm
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine:
http://www.vet.cornell.edu/news/dogflu/
Photographs courtesy of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention/Public Health Image Library
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Comments
We welcome your comments! Please keep in mind that comments posted here may not represent the opinions of PetPartners or the American Kennel Club. Always consult with a veterinarian for your pet's important health needs. Commenters must abide by our Terms of Use.
Susan | Posted Jun 30, 2010 01:16 PM
I appreciate all this information. I will watch carefully for symptoms, and be more proactive in learning about canine infections. I will not, however, isolate my dogs. While it is foolish to knowingly expose them to unhealthy situations, their quality of life should be considered. They love the interaction with other dogs and humans at training classes and their daycare. Like school kids, they will pick up things, but I believe they will also build some immunity. Again, this information is so valuable and even though I choose not to isolate, I will be more vigilant and hopefully more responsible.
Maureen Dewey | Posted Jun 29, 2010 01:54 PM
I have a one year old Boxer that has been having digestion issue's since March 2010. We have had her on antibiotic's, probiotics, and changed her food to EN Purina. She has diarrhea most of the time. I have talked with several vetrinarian's and I have not found a solution to her problem. I am open to suggestions and possible recomendations of someone who specializes in Boxer's. Thank you for your time. Maureen Dewey
Ursula M. Walsh | Posted Jun 14, 2010 10:01 AM
Re: Dog Show judges spreading diseases--I had a friend who was a conformation jugdge and she always had the handler pull back/up the dog's lips so she check the dog's bite. Aside from cutting down on spreading infections, it would be safer for the judges if thay all did it this way. Re: Vaccine Reaction. Don't have your dog get a lepto vaccine again. It is not the correct vaccine for the most prevalent form of lepto anyway and it causes many many dogs to have sometimes very severe reactions (e.g kidney failure). So ask your vet to skip the lepto vaccine next time!
Pat Greenberg | Posted Jun 02, 2010 10:46 AM
I'd like to put out a word of caution on over-vaccinating your dog. My schnauzer was given the canine flu shot (a series of 2 shots) and then about 2 months later given a leptospirosis vaccination. All of these shots were given in the same location, the upper shoulder area where vets usually give shots. He quickly developed a very aggressive variety of mast cell tumor in the vaccination area. Mast cells are what help you deal with allergic and inflammatory reactions. I'm not sure which shot may have been the culprit but I'm convinced one of them was because the tumor developed so quickly after the shots in that area. He's always had his rabies combination shot in this area and it's never been a problem. All of a sudden with these two new shots he's had a problem (I understand the leptospirosis vaccine is not new but it's probably a newer version)You might want to have your vet rotate the areas where he/she gives your dogs their routine shots, left to right shoulder and left to right haunch. My vet's thoughts about this are in line with mine - something in one or both of those shots caused this reaction. After 2 surgeries to remove the tumor, we're now waiting to see if the spots on his lungs are metastasis or just a bronchial thing. If you feel this is a good idea, please spread the word. Your vet may pooh-pooh it, but don't forget - it's YOUR dog, not theirs.
Kathy Rabune | Posted Jun 01, 2010 09:29 AM
Could you tell me what to do if your dog appears to be allergic to this time of year? I have a King Charles Cavalier and he is really red around both sides of his mouth. My vet said it was allergies and to give him benedryll. Do you have any other suggestions. He scratches a lot and his mouth is very sensitive. Thanks, Kathy
Mary | Posted May 31, 2010 09:24 AM
I live in a small rural community of 17,000 people that has no small animal veterinarians. My vet is a well educated man, fairly young,up to date on most things, is great with my dog, but definitely leans toward large animal treatment, because we are in farm country. I have asked him more than once if my dog needs to be immunized against canine infulenza. His answer the first time was that he had not heard about it. I found information online and forwarded it to him. The second time I asked about it, he said that he didn't think I would need to immunize my dog, since canine influenza was not yet in our area, and I do not take my dog places where other dogs are. Their clinic does not stock it, and has not given it to any canine clients, nor have they recommended it to their owners. I seldom socialize my dog, do not use dog parks, go to training classes, take my dog to places like Petsmart, do not attend dog shows, even as a spectator, and do not visit breeder's facilities. I need to know if I need this shot for my dog!! I live almost 100 miles from any other vet that might be able to administer it to my pet. I need opinions...
Kathy | Posted Apr 21, 2010 10:41 AM
I agree 100% about judges at the dog shows. We are now a ramp breed and judges most of the time want to open the dogs mouth to see color and bite and by doing so transfere anything they can to every dog they look at. There were several of us that brought home kennel cough from a recent show. Heaven knows that point won is so much more important then keeping a sick dog home so as to not spread the sickness :((.
gale rivers | Posted Apr 14, 2010 11:45 AM
At a January dog show three us of brought home dog show crud and we lost puppies. Why has AKC not instilled a rule for judges to disinfect their hands and tables in-between judging dogs. Cat shows have been doing it forever. We followed in their footsteps for limited registrations. Now I feel dog shows will be doomed with these mutated germs. We really need to do this and soon. Going thru this germ and losing puppies was devastating. Emotionally and financially. Thanks for listening. Gale
Roxanne | Posted Mar 27, 2010 10:22 AM
Thank you, this information was very helpful. I do not socialize my dogs with other dogs I do not know...you never know, and it is better to be safe, than sorry. Good Day!
Cynthia | Posted Mar 26, 2010 10:48 AM
Thank you for this information. I will share it with my friend who has two mixed breed dogs who utilizes the dog park more often than I do.