Canine Influenza Virus (Dog Flu)

Canine Influenza Virus (Dog Flu)

By: PetPlace Staff

Home Care

If your dog is infected, to prevent the spread of the virus, keep your dog away from other dogs for at least one week. In addition, do the following:

  • Limit exercise and enforce periods of rest; don't exercise or play with your dog. Activity often initiates periods of loud, uncomfortable coughing.

  • Encourage adequate fluid intake to maintain hydration. Provide soft food if dry food irritates the throat.

  • If your dog normally wears a restraint collar, remove it or replace it with a harness to decrease airway irritation.

  • Avoid environmental stresses including house dust, vapors, chemical fumes and tobacco smoke.

  • To mobilize secretions and reduce coughing, provide humidified air (e.g. a vaporizer in the dog's room or in a steamy bathroom for one or two hours).

    Preventative Care

    There is currently no vaccination to prevent this new virus.
    However, it has been suggested that production of a vaccine is underway and may be available within the next 1 to 2 years.

    To prevent infection, minimize exposure to other pets, especially in high-density situations such as kennels, doggie parks, or puppy class. May sure your pet is kept away from any symptomatic coughing dog. Take special care if your dog is a puppy or older as they are at higher risk for difficult infections.

    The virus is spread in the air by infected dogs, through contamination of objects in the environment and by people that may interact with infected and uninfected dogs.

    The virus is killed by routine disinfectants such as quaternary ammoniums or a 10% bleach solution. Thorough cleaning of crates, cages, bowls, bedding, floors and other surfaces is recommended to prevent transmission to other dogs. Clothing, equipment, surfaces, and hands should be cleaned and disinfected after exposure to dogs showing signs of respiratory disease to prevent transmission of infection to susceptible dogs. People interacting with infected dogs are advised to wash their hands well before and after interacting with infected dogs. Clothing can be effectively cleaned by using a typical laundry detergent at normal washing temperatures.

    Because the virus is spread in the air, avoid being around dogs that are coughing is the best prevention at this time.

    If your pet begins coughing, call your veterinarian immediately to discuss recommendations for care.

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