Canine Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection that affects dogs and cats. There are 2 strains of the illness, and it’s relatively new virus which means that very few pets have immunities to it.
This illness is very easily spread between pets via droplets or aerosol transmission. Your pet can catch it just by being near a sick animal who coughs, sneezes, or even barks! It tends to spread where pets congregate: the dog park, a kennel, the groomer, or doggy daycare facilities (good reasons to use a pet sitter)!
The virus can live for 48 hours on surfaces, which means that toys, water bowls, leashes, and other objects can spread this virus. The incubation period is 1 – 5 days, and it’s in this time period when a pet is most contagious. It’s also before they show any symptoms, so you can see why it’s so easily spread.
This flu can cause severe respiratory infections so you need to look for the symptoms: a cough, nasal or eye discharge, sneezing, lethargy, fever, and lack of appetite. If your pet is showing these symptoms, it’s time to go to the vet and have the severity of their flu diagnosed. Many pets also come down with secondary bacterial infections that may need treatment.
If your dog or cat is diagnosed with Canine Influenza your vet will set up a treatment plan depending on how your pet is doing. Some may just need rest, while others may need fluids or antibiotics for secondary infections.
The good news is that there is a vaccine for dogs (not for cats). Discuss the flu situation in your area with your vet before your best friend gets ill, to help you make a decision about vaccinating your pet.
States with flu outbreaks (all but 4)
Related Reading
Why hire a local dog walking company in Washington DC and not an app or neighbor?
Pet owners may be surprised to learn that there are two types of dog walkers, hobbyists…
Can My Pet Make My Family or Me Sick?
Can My Pet Make My Family or Me Sick? The short answer is yes. However, the…
Why is my dog destroying my home?
Sooner or later most dog owners will return home and find something ruined by their beloved…
January is National Pet Eye Care Month
I Only Have Eyes For You! January is National Eye Care Month, so this is a great…
Things to Know Before You Adopt a Rescue Pet
According to the ASPCA, every year almost 8 million cats and dogs are in shelters nationwide. We hope…
7 Resolutions Your Pets Want You to Make
Uh oh, it’s that time of year again – when we set new goals and try…
Tips To Keep Your Pet’s Teeth Clean
Tips To Keep Your Pet’s Teeth Clean My 12 year old Bella recently had a dental…
Spread Holiday Cheer with Your Pet!
It’s the most wonderful time of year! Wintertime can be either a season of hunkering down…
How do cats show love?
We all know that cats are different from dogs – you know when a dog likes you (think…
All about your cat’s rough and scratchy tongue
Roughing It! If you’ve been groomed by a cat then you know their tongue is rough…
Why is my dog always barking?
Are you ready to send your dog to Barkaholics Anonymous? That title is an oxymoron, isn’t…
Nutrition Related Illnesses in Pets
Nutrition Related Illnesses in Pets Americans love their pets, so much so, that we spend more…
How to Prevent Dog Bites at Home
Let’s start here: any dog can bite. Even the most friendly and easygoing dog will bite if…