We hear about Canine Influenza Virus more and more these days. Part of that is because it is a new illness that is infecting dogs in many areas of the country, and part is because there are so many more outlets for information these days, some offering news and information and others just gossip and sensationalism. Here we will try to give you just the facts along with advice from a selection of vets with whom we have discussed it.

So what is this "dog flu", where did it come from, and what should dog owners do to protect their pets? Canine Influenza Virus was first detected in 2004 among racing Greyhounds at a Florida racetrack that was located within horse racing track. Dogs began getting sick and many died. Autopsies revealed that the dogs had acquired a form of equine influenza that had jumped species and then mutated to a form that could be spread from dog to dog. As Greyhounds were transported from state to state the disease spread, gradually getting into the general canine population. It has now been found in 30 states and will continue to spread. Since it is a new virus in the dog population, no dogs have immunity and any dog that comes in contact with it will be infected. The question is – how bad is it?

Apparently for most dogs it is not that bad. Roughly 80% of dogs that become infected show only mild symptoms, usually a cough that may last for up to a month along with a greenish nasal discharge. As many as 20% of infected dogs will show no symptoms, but these "Typhoid Mary" dogs can spread the virus while appearing to be healthy. The mild symptoms are similar to those of Kennel Cough, and some cases have probably been treated as such.

For a small percentage of dogs, canine influenza can be much more serious, even life threatening. This group likely includes puppies, older dogs and those with a medical condition that weakens or otherwise compromises the immune system. In more serious cases there may be a fever as high as 106°. In the most serious cases the dog will develop a form of hemorrhagic pneumonia, which causes the lungs to fill with fluid. The pneumonia is a secondary infection not caused by the virus but by a bacteria, and it can be treated, but it must be dealt with quickly. Left untreated, dogs that develop pneumonia have about a 50-50 chance of survival.

A vaccine for canine influenza has been developed and is available from your vet. The question is, who needs it? Some vets think all dogs should be vaccinated to prevent an epidemic from even getting started. Others prefer a more wait and see approach, only recommending the vaccine for high-risk dogs. Another consideration is that the vaccine is new and has had limited testing (746 dogs) with no side affects. The FDA has given it a conditional approval for use, but some people prefer to wait until a vaccine has been in use for a longer time before using it.

Over time the vaccine may become a part of a dogs regular annual vaccination series because it will be required by places where you take your dog, like boarding facilities, day care, dog parks and other places that want to prevent any outbreak at their businesses.

For now, most people will be unsure what to do and will probably just follow their vet’s recommendation.

DOG FLU / SWINE FLU SIMILARITIES