How much do you know about dog flu?

Question

My vet advises that you may want to consider getting the Canine influenza vaccinations, if you: use dog parks, attend dog shows or go to dog training classes.  Two dogs have DIED from canine influenza in NC; necropsies were done at the NCSU vet school.  In each place it has cropped up (since 2015) the canine influenza spreads RAPIDLY in a PANDEMIC fashion.

The AKC sent this to my Dog Club:
This notice is being sent out to provide up-to-date and accurate information about the Canine Influenza Virus to help prevent the spread of the virus to healthy (unexposed) dogs. The information provided is not intended to alarm dog owners and handlers.

There are recently confirmed cases of the Canine Influenza Virus (H3N2 strain) that was first brought to and identified in Chicago, Illinois in the spring of 2015.  The most recent outbreaks concern the following states: Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina.

Canine Influenza Virus is an extremely contagious airborne disease that is easily spread among dogs, and in rare instances, can be contagious to cats. If you believe one of your dogs may have contracted the Canine Influenza Virus, immediately isolate it from other animals and contact your veterinarian.

Lorraine · Accepted Answer

The problem with KC is that there are many different strains just as there are with human flu and they cannot vaccinate against all.
However,  if they have recognised a certain strain that is particularly nasty and spreading then I don't see a problem with vaccination.

I take in dogs from pound and have never seen two cases the same tbh... even the same strain affects dogs differently.  Working with people who also work in large establishments like Battersea Dogs Home I am very aware that some strains can be lethal to all dogs but particularly the young, old or already sick.

I don't vaccinate but am aware of getting antibiotics should a dog ever become lethargic and actually ill with it.  Most strains don't seem to affect their well being.

This H3N2 strain sounds particularly nasty and I will look out for it in the UK.   Thanks .EH.

ADD... think I need to do some reading up on this too...it's not exactly kennel cough at all is it.  Thanks EH.

GllntKnight · Answer

The best person you should be discussing this with is the "vet advises that you may want to consider getting the Canine influenza vaccinations"  Bring the documentation from the AKC with you.

Regardless IMO I would never frequent a Dog Park* for numerous other reasons, as well.

*http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e224/GLLNTKNIGHT/dogpark_zps971871ef.jpg

Verulam 1 · Answer

http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/features/dog-flu-canine-influenza#2

I knew nothing about this latest virus which I assume is a mutation of KC?    I googled and found the article linked here - there are others.   I don't think this has yet arrived in the UK.   But for sure, the KC virus (if it's not bacterial KC) is always changing.   I'm always wary of any area where large numbers of dogs congregate which is why even if we had such places here, I'd NEVER use a Dog Park.

This mutation is worth being aware of, even here in the UK.

Anonymous · Answer

Very little indeed So thanks very much for the snippet of info that could prove to be invaluable if it reaches Europe where I currently live  To be honest its a new one for me and i know nearly nothing of canine influenza.... Though I now intend to find out.... So thx for the post

E. H. Amos · Answer

• CIV symptoms are:
Dry hacking cough 
Lack of appetite 
Lethargy 
Discharge from nose or eyes 
Fever 
Consult with your vet as to whether your dog needs the vaccination.

How much do you know about dog flu?

5 Answers