You may have had your flu shot this year but what about your dog?  Yes, it is true that dogs can get the flu as well and there is a flu vaccination to protect them from this deadly virus.

Can a Dog Get The Flu – What is the Dog Flu?

The dog flu was believed to surface around 2004 and was found in greyhounds at first after a form of the horse flu jumped to dogs.  The dog flu has now been detected in many countries around the world.

Can A Dog Get The Flu – What are the symptoms of dog flu?

Dog Flu symptoms are very similar to human influenza and also very similar to a common disease in dogs known as “kennel cough”.  The most common sign of the dog flu is a cough that lasts up to 21 days which is much longer than the typical “kennel cough”.

Symptoms of the dog flu include:

• A thick nasal discharge
• Coughing
• Fever
• Respiratory issues

Can a Dog Get the Flu – How dangerous is the dog flu?

The fatality rate of influenza in dogs is between 5 to 8 percent.  If dogs receive medical care early on, the fatality rate is very low.  Even if the flu is not deadly it can still lead to respiratory infection and even pneumonia.  There are particular breeds of dogs which are at high risk.  Dogs that have pushed in noses such as pugs and Shitzus are more at risk because they have short respiratory tracts and it can put a large strain on their ability to breathe.

CAN A DOG GET THE FLU – SHOULD YOUR DOG GET A FLU SHOT?

There is a dog flu vaccination available which is made by both Merch and Pfizer and costs up to $60.  The dog flu vaccine is administered in two doses over a few weeks.  It is then followed up by an annual booster shot.

If you are planning on sending your dog to a boarding kennel or daycare it should be really considered.  If your dog lives in close proximity to a part of the country where there has been an outbreak in dog flu it really should be taken seriously.

Can a dog get the flu – Can I Catch the Dog Flu?

The short answer to this is no.  It is extremely unlikely that people can get dog flu from their pets.  To date there are no known cases of dog flu infecting humans.

Can A Dog Get The Flu – Is this similar to Bird Flu?

Again the answer to this is no.  The dog flu is very different from bird flu which has killed birds and people living in Asia.

Can A Dog Get The Flu – What should I do if I think my dog has the dog flu?

If you suspect that your dog has the flu you should contact your local vet.  If you dog is coughing you should also keep it away from other dogs and definitely not take it to parks or areas where other dogs are around.

Can A Dog Get The Flu – How do I protect my dog?

The best way to protect your dog from the dog flu is to get it vaccinated.  Keeping your dog away from other dogs which are coughing or looking ill is also a good idea.

Can A Dog Get The Flu – How is Dog Flu Transmitted?

Dogs that are infected with influenza will shed the virus via body secretions.  Virus infection can come from direct contact with an infected dog.  There have been Kennel workers who have been known to accidentally bring home the virus and give it to their own pets.

Can A Dog Get The Flu – How is a sick dog treated?

If your dog hasn’t had the vaccination for the dog flu, the best form of treatment is with anti-pyretic medications and cool water baths to keep down the fever.