There is a Canine Flu outbreak in the Midwest that is causing concern for dog owners all over. With this in mind, we felt the need to do some research. What it is? Is it dangerous? What are the signs? Is there a vaccine?

The following is based on information from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) websites:

Canine influenza (also known as dog flu) is a contagious respiratory disease in dogs caused by specific Type A influenza viruses. These are called "canine influenza viruses." There are two different influenza A dog flu viruses:

• Canine influenza H3N8 virus originated in horses, spread to dogs, and can now spread between dogs. The H3N8 equine influenza (horse flu) virus has been known to exist in horses for more than 40 years. In 2004, however, cases of an unknown respiratory illness in dogs (initially greyhounds) were reported in the United States. An investigation showed that this respiratory illness was caused by the equine influenza A H3N8 virus. Scientists believe this virus jumped species (from horses to dogs) and has adapted to spread among dogs, especially those housed in kennels and shelters. This is now considered a dog-specific H3N8 virus.

• The H3N2 canine influenza virus is an avian flu virus that adapted to infect dogs and is genetically different from human seasonal H3N2 viruses. H3N2 virus was first detected in dogs in South Korea in 2007 and has since been reported in China and Thailand. This virus only appeared in the United States in April 2015 and no one knows with any certainty how it was introduced. However, it is believed to have been brought in by the import of infected rescue animals from Asia. H3N2 has also reportedly infected some cats.
  

The current Midwest Canine Flu outbreak has been detected in Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio and Indiana, having believed to have originated in the Chicago area.  Tests confirm the strain as the Canine Influenza H3N2 virus. The virus has an incubation period of about one to three days, but the infected animal can be contagious for up to 14 days. So far, there is little or no threat to humans from either virus as there has been no evidence of the viruses jumping species from dogs to humans.

Are all dogs at risk of getting canine influenza?

Because this virus is still new to the U.S. most dogs have no exposure or immunity to the disease. Virtually all dogs exposed to the virus become infected, and nearly 80% show clinical signs of the disease, though most exhibit a mild form.

However, the risk of any dog being exposed to the canine influenza virus depends on that dog’s lifestyle. Dogs that are regularly exposed to other dogs – for example at boarding or day care facilities, dog parks, grooming salons, or social events with other dogs present – are at greater risk of coming into contact with the virus. Also, as with other infectious diseases, extra precautions may be needed with puppies, elderly or pregnant dogs, and dogs that are immuno compromised.

Is there a vaccine for canine influenza? 

There is a vaccine for the U.S. (H3N8) dog flu strain, but it's generally given only to dogs at high risk of getting infected, and experts don't know if the vaccine protects against the new H3N2 strain. A few pharmaceutical companies have started working on a new vaccine, but it will probably be four to six months before it becomes available. 

What are signs of canine influenza infection in dogs? 

The signs of this illness in dogs are cough, runny nose, and fever, but not all dogs will show signs of illness. The severity of illness can range from no signs to severe illness resulting in pneumonia and sometimes death.

How serious is canine influenza infection in dogs? 

So far, the percentage of dogs infected with this disease that die is very small. To date a reported 1,000 dogs have been infected, with only six subsequent deaths. Some dogs have no signs of illness, while some have severe infections, characterized by the onset of pneumonia.

How is canine influenza infection in dogs treated? 

For dogs with a milder form of the disease, care may include medication to make your dog more comfortable and fluids to ensure that your dog remains well-hydrated. Broad spectrum antibiotics may be prescribed by your veterinarian if a secondary bacterial infection is suspected.

Tips on preventing exposing your dog:

It boils down to basic commonsense measures to help prevent exposing your dog to the canine flu as well as other canine diseases that are passed from animal to animal.

• Keep your dog on a leash and avoid densely populated dog areas like dog parks, groomers, and boarding facilities especially if you have a very young or a very old dog whose immune system may be compromised. 
  

• Keep your dog off the floor at the vet’s office, both the waiting room and the exam room. While you hope they are  cleaned on a regular basis, better safe than sorry. Since our dogs are smaller, we take them in using a dog stroller. 
  

• Practice good hygiene. Before petting your dog - wash your hands. If you have been around people all day at work, shaking hands, etc. You don’t know if they have a dog that has been exposed to the virus or how often they wash their hands.  
  

So far, the outbreak is limited to the Midwest, but that is not to say it couldn’t make it’s way to California. We will definitely keep you informed if we hear of any movement this way.

In a nutshell, based on the available information, if your dog should be infected with the virus, it will probably not be fatal. If you have a sick or older dog, keep them home and away from other dogs.

As always, dog owners should talk with their own veterinarian to assess their dog’s risk.