Who Is At Risk?

 

• Dogs of any breed, age, sex or health status are at risk of infection when exposed to the virus.

 

 

How Does It Spread?

 

• It is highly contagious and easily spread from infected dogs to other dogs through direct contact, nasal secretions (through coughing and sneezing), contaminated objects (kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes), and by people moving between infected and uninfected dogs.

 

 

What Are The Symptoms?

 

• Persistent coughing

• Thick nasal discharge

• Fever

• Lethargy

• Eye discharge

• Reduced appetite

• Low-grade fever

 

 

Is There A Canine-Flu-Season?

 

• Unlike seasonal flu in people, canine influenza can occur year round.

 

 

How Dangerous Is This Virus?

 

• Fatal cases of pneumonia resulting from infection with canine influenza virus have been reported in dogs, but the fatality rate is low (less than 10%).  Most dogs recover in 2-3 weeks.

 

 

How Effective Is The Current Canine Flu Vaccine Against This Particular Strain?

 

• The vaccines may not completely prevent infection, but appear to reduce the severity and duration of the illness, as well as the length of time when an infected dog may shed the virus in its respiratory secretions and the amount of virus shed, making them less contagious to other dogs.

 

 

How Do I Keep My Dog From Getting Sick With CIV?

 

• Keep your dog vaccinated.

• Dog owners should be aware that any situation that brings dogs together increases the risk of spread of ANY communicable illnesses.  As long as good infection control practices are in place, pet owners should not be overly concerned about putting dogs in training facilities, dog parks, kennels, or other areas frequented by dogs.

 

 

Testing Protocol And Incubation Of The Virus

 

• Testing can be done as early as 4 days after possible exposure through a nasal or throat swab.  The most accurate test for CIV infection is a blood test that requires a sample taken during the first week of illness, followed by a second sample 10-14 days later.

• Dogs are most contagious during the two- to four-day incubation period for the virus, when they are infected and shedding the virus in their nasal secretions but are not showing signs of illness.

• Influenza viruses do not usually survive in the environment beyond 48 hours and are inactivated or killed by commonly used disinfectants.

 

 

I'm Worried My Dog Has Contracted CIV, What Do I Do?

 

• First and foremost, CONSULT YOUR VETERINARIAN!!  They will give you recommendations tailored to the exact needs of your pet based on your pet's health and vaccination history.

• In the meanwhile, take precautions to keep any potential disease from spreading.  Dog owners whose dogs are coughing or exhibiting other signs of respiratory disease should not participate in activities or bring their dogs to facilities where other dogs can be exposed to them.  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.  Clothing can be adequately cleaned by using a detergent at normal laundry temperatures.

 

 

How Is The Virus Treated?

 

• As with all viruses, treatment is largely supportive.  Hospitalization, fluids, possible antibiotics and NSAIDs are all factors in a pet's most effective treatment.