It ’s different than the human version of the flu and can be hard to secernate from other respiratory illnesses .

Unfortunately , getting sick is just a part of living — Even for our dogs . Dogs can and do get the flu , but it ’s different from the flu humans get . For frankfurter , this is an almost purely respiratory malady ( unlike human version which can include the stomach influenza ) .

There are two distinct viruses that make canine flu or flu . Thefirst bounder flu computer virus to be isolated in North Americawas the H3N8 grippe virus in 2004 in Florida in racing greyhounds . The 2d one , which showed up in Chicago in 2015 , is theH3N2 dogtooth influenza virus .

dogs playing together at a dog park; can dogs get the flu?

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Can Dogs Get the Flu from Humans?

First , it is significant to note that dogs and people do n’t share their flu viruses . Sodogs ca n’t get the flu from humans and vice versa . You could transmit eye tooth virus particles on your apparel if you were around a tired of dog , but the risk is downcast . Still , vary before petting your frump if you have any business concern of passing the computer virus from one dog to another .

How Dog Flu Spreads

Since these viruses are airborne , most dogs become infected from being around another dog who has the flu virus and coughs , barks , or sneezes — which puts the computer virus into the atmosphere that your domestic dog then breathe in . It typically postulate 2 to 4 Clarence Shepard Day Jr. after exposure before you ’ll notice your dog showing signs of illness .

Dogs with the H3N8 flu virus are considered to be contagious for 10 days after exposure , while bounder with the H3N2 strain of influenza can be transmissible for up to 26 days . About a quarter of the dogs who are exhibit and infected will not show any signs of illness but they can still spread the computer virus .

Virus subatomic particle can also survive for a time onfood and water supply dishes , toys , and blankets used by septic dogs . cough and sneeze dog should be isolated from other click in your crime syndicate .

Dog Flu Symptoms

Mild cases of dog influenza can mimic other respiratory illnesses like a insensate orkennel cough . unluckily , many cases are more serious . Dogs with canid flu show symptom such as :

Very serious cases can progress topneumoniaand some of these dogs can potentially die . It ’s important to attempt prompt help from your veterinarian if you start to spot any of these signs of dog grippe .

Canine Influenza Treatment

There is no specific treatment for cad influenza . Because this is a virus , antibiotic drug wo n’t help , though if your dog get a secondary pneumonia , your vet willprescribe antibioticsfor that . Very ill dogs will need hospitalization including supplemental oxygen .

If you notice your dog showing signs of canine grippe , contact your vet . He or she may give you bakshish for home plate fear such as feeding your dogchicken broth(low sodium please ! ) , and possibly giving some extravitamins or supplementsto endure his resistant system .

Cough suppressants are used in some cases , but do not give your doghuman cough medicationson your own ! If your dog has a fever and is unenrgetic , has difficulty breathing , and isnot eatingor toast well , he should be seen at the vet clinic . Give the clinic a heads up that your Canis familiaris has a respiratory illness as they will need to keep your dog sequestrate from other patient .

If your pup has any oculus or nose discharge , gently clean the stirred areas at least twice a day . Warm compresses are best for softening up crusty discharge , but prove it on yourself to ensure it is not too hot before employ to your Canis familiaris ’s skin .

Preventing Illness With Dog Flu Shots

Luckily , there is a vaccine that covers both version of the dogtooth flu virus . This is not a"core " vaccinum , entail it is recommended for frankfurter who are at risk of getting the influenza , not all dogs .

If your pawl goes to dog preparation classes , competes in hot dog sports , spends time at aboarding facility , or hang out atdoggy daycare , your vet will credibly advocate the vaccination . Like the human versions of flu vaccinum , the click flu vaccinum may not totally prevent any illness in your dog , but it should tighten the severeness of symptoms .