In 2023, veterinarians saw an increase in canine respiratory disease spread across the U.S. Regular treatment methods have no impact on the illness, and the cause is unknown. Affected dogs suffer from a more severe and longer respiratory disease than what is typical of other canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD) complex, a common type of kennel cough.
Causes: How Does a Dog Get the Flu?Dog influenza can also be transmitted between dogs via contaminated objects such as food and water bowls, collars, leashes, toys, bedding, and nose-to-nose contact.
The virus is able to live on surfaces for up to 48 hours, on clothing for 24 hours, and on hands for up to 12 hours.
Symptoms may include:
- Persistent cough
- Nasal discharge – not just your dog’s normal wet nose
- Fever
- Eye discharge – look for goopy, mucus-like discharge or a noticeable increase if your dog normally has eye discharge.
- Reduced appetite
- Reduced activity, lethargy
Dog Flu Facts
- Dog flu is not usually fatal. The death rate is reported to be less than 10% among flu-infected dogs.
- There is now a vaccine for both the H3N2 and the older H3N8 strains. Talk to your vet about the best option for you and your pup, especially if they spend a lot of time around other dogs.
- You can’t catch the flu from your dog. According to the CDC, this is highly unlikely since it would take a sizable cell mutation for human infection from a dog CIV to infect you.
We do currently have the flu vaccine on hand. Call to make an appointment if you would like your dog to get the vaccine.
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