By the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
At the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, veterinarians are working to educate pet parents about the recent outbreak of canine influenza in Georgia and Florida that could affect dogs in Texas.
Just like humans, pets can be affected by strains of influenza and experience flu-like symptoms. The strains of influenza that affect dogs are highly contagious and spread through particles in the air. However, the disease is typically not life-threatening when treated and is not transmissible to humans.
“The most common symptoms of canine flu include coughing and lethargy, as well as decreased appetite and fever,” says Dr. Stacy Eckman, clinical assistant professor at the CVM. “In some cases, the infection can progress to pneumonia, especially when the flu is complicated by other respiratory bacteria or viruses.”
The canine flu should be treated as soon as possible. If you are worried your pet is experiencing symptoms of the canine flu, contact your veterinarian before going in to their office. This allows the veterinarian to prepare for the visit and potentially decrease exposure to other pets.
If you live in an area where the canine flu has been reported, consider keeping your dog away from other dogs by staying clear of the dog park or kenneling your dog.
Canine influenza is a relatively new virus in dogs, but there are vaccines available to help protect your pet. The vaccine does not prevent your pet from getting infected or spreading the virus, but it may reduce your pet’s symptoms.
“The vaccine is recommended for pets that go to dog shows, including hunting and agility; are kenneled or boarded; visit grooming salons or doggie day cares regularly; or are around a high number of dogs that visit these areas,” says Eckman.
If your pet becomes infected with the canine flu, a veterinarian can provide supportive care and medications to make the pet feel better. In the meantime, consider your options for preventing your pet from facing this illness again in the future, such as with a vaccine.
As a pet parent, it is important to provide your dog with excellent healthcare. Talk with your veterinarian about reducing the chances of your dog being impacted by canine influenza.
Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at vetmed.tamu.edu/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvm.tamu.edu.
