Can Dogs Get the Flu Like Humans? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

Can Dogs Get the Flu Like Humans? What You Need to Know in 2023

As flu season approaches, you may be stocking up on tissues and cough drops for yourself — but have you considered whether your furry friend could be at risk too? Dogs can‘t catch the flu from their human companions, but they can contract their own version of the illness. Canine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can cause coughing, fever, and even pneumonia in severe cases. As a responsible dog owner, it‘s important to understand this health risk and take steps to protect your pet.

In this article, we‘ll explain the key differences between human and canine influenza viruses, walk through the signs and risk factors of canine flu, and share the latest expert advice on treatment, prevention and keeping your dog safe and healthy year-round.

Human Flu vs. Canine Flu: What‘s the Difference?

Human influenza is caused by specific strains of the influenza A and influenza B viruses. When you get your annual flu shot, that‘s what it‘s designed to protect against. Dogs, however, are not susceptible to infection with human flu viruses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health authorities.

Instead, dogs can contract their own distinct influenza viruses:

• Canine influenza A(H3N8) virus: This strain originated in horses and was first detected in dogs in the United States in 2004. It‘s thought that the virus jumped from horses to dogs at a greyhound racing track in Florida.
• Canine influenza A(H3N2) virus: This strain appears to have originated in birds and spread to dogs in Asia as early as 2007. It was first detected in the United States in 2015, and has since caused outbreaks in several states.

So while you don‘t need to worry about giving your dog the flu, it is possible for them to catch canine influenza from other dogs. Let‘s take a closer look at how this virus spreads and what signs to watch out for.

Signs and Symptoms of Canine Influenza

The signs of canine flu are similar to those of the human flu and other respiratory illnesses. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the most common signs include:

• Coughing (either moist or dry)
• Sneezing
• Nasal and/or eye discharge
• Fever
• Lethargy
• Decreased appetite

Some dogs may develop more severe signs, such as high fever (above 104°F), pneumonia, or rapid/difficult breathing. Puppies, senior dogs, and those with underlying health conditions may be at higher risk for complications.

It‘s important to note that not all dogs will show signs of illness. Some dogs infected with canine influenza remain asymptomatic, but they can still shed the virus and infect other dogs. This makes the illness challenging to contain, as apparently healthy dogs may be spreading it unknowingly.

If your dog is showing any signs of respiratory illness, it‘s best to call your veterinarian for advice. They may recommend bringing your dog in for testing to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

Transmission and Risk Factors

Canine influenza spreads much like human flu – through direct contact with infected dogs (sniffing, licking, etc.), contact with contaminated items (food/water bowls, toys, bedding), and respiratory droplets in the air (from coughing and sneezing).

The virus is highly contagious. According to research, up to 80% of dogs exposed to canine influenza will become infected, and up to 20% may show no signs of illness while still shedding the virus. This means that any place where dogs congregate or share items has the potential for virus transmission.

Some factors that may increase your dog‘s risk of contracting canine flu include:

• Visiting doggie daycares, dog parks, groomers, or kennels
• Staying in a boarding facility
• Participating in dog shows, sporting events, or other canine group activities
• Living in or traveling to an area with a reported canine flu outbreak

Dogs that mostly stay at home and walk on a leash are considered lower risk, but owners should still remain vigilant. If an outbreak occurs in your community, it‘s best to minimize your dog‘s exposure to other dogs until the risk has passed.

Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery

Canine influenza is diagnosed based on clinical signs, history of potential exposure, and laboratory testing. Your veterinarian may take swab samples from your dog‘s nose or throat and submit them for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing or viral isolation.

There is no specific antiviral medication for treating canine flu. Instead, treatment is supportive, aimed at easing symptoms and preventing complications while the dog‘s immune system fights off the virus. This may include:

• Rest and isolation from other dogs to prevent spread
• A warm, quiet space to recover with plenty of fresh water available
• Medications to reduce fever and inflammation as needed
• In severe cases, hospitalization for intravenous fluids, oxygen therapy, or antibiotics to combat secondary bacterial pneumonia

With proper care, most dogs recover from canine influenza within 2 to 3 weeks. However, some dogs may experience lingering coughs for up to 6 weeks, and dogs with severe illness may have long-term impacts such as scarring in the lungs.

Vaccination and Prevention

Vaccines are available for both the H3N8 and H3N2 strains of canine influenza virus. They don‘t necessarily prevent infection completely, but they can significantly reduce the severity and duration of illness, as well as the amount of virus shed.

The canine influenza vaccine is considered a "lifestyle vaccine," meaning it‘s recommended for dogs at higher risk of exposure. This includes those that spend time in group settings like daycares, dog shows, or sporting events. Your veterinarian can help you determine whether the canine flu vaccine is right for your dog based on their risk factors and lifestyle.

In addition to vaccination, there are several common-sense measures you can take to decrease your dog‘s risk of infection:

• Limit your dog‘s contact with unknown dogs, especially during an outbreak
• Avoid sharing items like toys and bowls with unfamiliar dogs
• Wash your hands after touching other dogs and before interacting with your own dog
• Clean and disinfect items from boarding facilities, dog parks, etc. before bringing them into the home
• If you work or volunteer around dogs, change your clothes and shoes before interacting with your dog at home

If your dog has potentially been exposed to canine influenza, monitor them closely for signs of illness and contact your veterinarian for guidance. Infected dogs should be isolated from all other dogs for at least 4 weeks to prevent further spread.

Protecting Your Dog‘s Health Year-Round

While canine influenza can be a scary prospect, the good news is that for most dogs, the risk of severe illness is low. By staying informed, keeping up with preventive care, and taking sensible precautions, you can significantly reduce your dog‘s chances of contracting this or other infectious diseases.

Remember, your veterinarian is your best resource for information about your individual dog‘s health and risk factors. Schedule regular wellness check-ups, keep your dog up to date on recommended vaccines, and don‘t hesitate to ask questions about any aspect of your dog‘s care.

With a little knowledge and a lot of love, you can keep your faithful friend happy, healthy, and safe from flu — so you can both enjoy more tail-wagging adventures together for years to come.

Sources:

• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Canine Influenza. 2023.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Key Facts About Canine Influenza (Dog Flu). 2023.
• Crawford C. Canine Influenza. Merck Veterinary Manual. 2022.
• Rosas C, Voorhees IEH, Dalton K, et al. Serological detection of canine H3N8 and H3N2 influenza virus infection in dogs in the northeast United States. Vet Med Sci. 2021;7(5):1964-1971.
• Voorhees IEH, Glaser AL, Toohey-Kurth K, et al. Spread of Canine Influenza A(H3N2) Virus, United States. Emerg Infect Dis. 2017;23(12):1950-1957.