Canine Flu - Facts

1.     Problem Definition:

Canine flu is a highly contagious viral influenza transmitted among dogs. This virus has been contracted from horses, and it is actually the genetic mutated strain of the same virus H3N8. The first incidence of this disease was seen in greyhounds in Florida, where about 11 dogs succumbed to the disease.

2.     Symptoms:

There are very different symptoms of canine flu seen in dogs, depending on the body tenacity of the dog. In some dogs, there will be no symptoms seen at all. In most dogs, though, there will be symptoms that will begin as sneezing, a mild fever and a green nasal discharge. If symptoms persist, they will convert into high fevers, chills and a pneumonia-like condition.

3.     Duration of Problem:

A dog suffering from canine flu can recover completely within a month, irrespective of the severity of the symptoms.

4.     Exposure:

Since this is a highly contagious disease among dogs, the dogs must not be allowed to mingle with other dogs. As yet, it has not been seen that the virus can be transmitted from dogs to humans. Hence, there is no specific need to quarantine the dog from humans.

Canine Flu - Prevention & Treatment

1.     The Treatment:

Treatment begins when the first symptoms begin showing. Simple antibiotic treatment can cure instances of mild canine flu but for more severe symptoms, injections may be necessary.

2.     Prevention:

No vaccine has been discovered for canine flu yet. Hence, the disease cannot be prevented by vaccination. Quarantine of affected dogs is the only preventing technique.

3.     Precautions:

This disease can be easily averted by keeping your dog away from all facilities that are commonly used by all dogs. Especially in places like dog care centers and grooming salons, dogs stand a greater change of getting infected.

4.     Helpful Supplies:

Canine flu cannot be treated by household supplies. Only prescribed therapeutic medicines must be given.

Canine Flu - Concerns

1.     Level of Seriousness:

Only 5% of the dogs who suffered from canine influenza have died so far. Hence, the disease can be considered to be not a very dangerous disease. With the improvement of better medicines like Tami flu, the disease is becoming much more manageable and treatable.

2.     Lasting Consequences:

There are no effects of canine flu seen once the disease has been totally treated. In addition, dogs will build up immunity to the disease for at least two years.

3.     Genetics:

Since this is the first generation of dogs that has suffered from canine influenza (it was discovered and spread for the first time only in January 2004), it cannot be said whether this disease will be hereditary or not.

4.     Lifestyle Accommodations:

The dog will be put into quarantine. All communication of dogs in common dog facilities will have to be stopped. The dog will not enjoy eating for a while and become too lethargic.

5.     Expense:

The expense of treating canine influenza is not much. Antibiotics used for treating the disease are not that expensive, except for Tami flu.