Canine influenza is on the rise and the infection is hitting hardest right here in Southeast Michigan.
As of September 14th, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has found 154 confirmed cases of canine influenza in the state of Michigan. In Southeast Michigan there are
- 42 cases in Oakland County,
- 35 in Macomb,
- 11 in Livingston,
- 6 in Wayne,
- 5 in Genesee,
- 2 in Washtenaw, and
- 1 in St. Clair.
We want to help you protect your pups. We’re here to answer the eight most frequently asked questions about canine influenza.
What is Canine Influenza?
According to Michigan State University, canine influenza is a virus where “several pathogens can cause respiratory disease in dogs.”
Because canine influenza is one of several viruses that can cause respiratory issues in dogs, it is best to get your dog checked out to find out if it is canine influenza.
There are two strains of canine influenza, H3N8 and H3N2, both of which are Influenza A viruses.
The strain affecting dogs in Metro Detroit is H3N2.
However, due to the virus’ ability to mutate, other strains could become prominent.
Which dogs are most susceptible?
Merck Animal Health reports that most dogs have almost no immunity to either strain of canine influenza. Because of this, almost all breeds are susceptible to contracting canine influenza if they encounter the active virus.
Some types of dogs may be more likely to contract canine flu. These types are
- Dogs with compromised autoimmune systems,
- Female dogs who are pregnant,
- Puppies, and
- Senior dogs.
How is it transmitted?
Canine flu can be spread in three ways:
- Air transmission,
- Contaminated objects, or
- Direct contact.
Air transmission is typically a cough or a sneeze. A cough or a sneeze can spread germs up to 20 feet.
Contaminated objects can be any objects used by a dog with canine flu, such as toys, bedding, leashes, or food/water bowls. Humans can also transfer canine flu between animals.
Direct contact refers to dogs nuzzling against or sniffling each other.
While germs don’t survive forever, they can live on humans for 12 hours, on clothes and leashes for 24 hours, and bowls and toys for 48 hours. However, the virus can be readily killed by using soap and water and household disinfectants.
Canine flu is most likely to be transmitted in places that have lots of dogs. Some of these areas include
- Boarding facilities,
- Day care,
- Dog parks,
- Dog shows,
- Grooming salons,
- Kennels,
- Shelters, and
- Training classes.
Should I vaccinate my dog?
Vaccinations should be discussed on an individual basis with your veterinarian. Humane Society of Macomb’s Dr. Collins recommends that all dogs who are at a high risk, including those that attend the places or events listed above, should be vaccinated.
There are vaccines available for both the H3N8 and the H3N2 strains of canine influenza.
If you choose to vaccinate your dog, you must plan ahead! To be properly immunized, your dog must receive two doses of the vaccine and wait 21 days for immunity to develop.
Merck Animal Hospital has released a new vaccine that will prevent both strains of canine influenza, which is the vaccine we use at HSM for our shelter dogs. For more information on the vaccine, you can watch their video here.
What are the symptoms?
The first and most prevalent symptom is a very intense cough.
According to The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), your pet can experience either a mild or a severe form of canine influenza.
In mild cases, your dog’s cough can last anywhere between 10 and 30 days.
Other symptoms of canine influenza include
- Eye discharge,
- Fever,
- Lethargy,
- Nasal discharge, and
- Reduced appetite.
In severe cases, your dog will also have a high fever, usually between 104- and 106-degrees Fahrenheit. Your dog could also suffer from pneumonia and have a harder time with respiratory rates and efforts.
If you notice any of these symptoms, we recommend taking your pet to their veterinarian as soon as possible.
Some dogs will not display any symptoms. If you know of any other dogs who have been diagnosed with canine influenza or if your dog has been in any of the same buildings where there have been confirmed cases of canine flu, even if your dog is not displaying symptoms, it is best to go the vet. When it comes to your dog, it is better to be safe than sorry.
If not treated properly, your dog is susceptible to secondary infections.
What happens if my pet does have canine influenza?
Luckily, there are treatment methods. Your veterinarian will discuss with you the best treatment for your dog.
While undergoing treatment, most dogs will be treated as outpatients; however, severe cases may require your dog to be hospitalized.
Canine influenza usually lasts between two and three weeks. AVMA recommends “supportive” practices, such as keeping your dog hydrated and comfortable.
AVMA reports that some veterinarians will prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, fluid therapy, or antibiotics. Anti-inflammatory medicines will help to reduce fevers, swelling, and pain in dogs. Fluid therapy will help dogs who are suffering from dehydration while antibiotics are used to help fight secondary infections.
Can I prevent my dog from getting canine flu?
If you know a dog that has canine influenza, or that canine influenza is going around your groomer/shelter, then it is best to keep your dog home. This will lessen their likelihood of being exposed to canine influenza and therefore lower their risk of contraction. If you have any questions or concerns about your grooming facility, doggy dog care, boarding kennel, or shelter, it is best to ask them.
Vaccinating your dog against both strains of canine influenza is another way to lessen the chances of your dog contracting canine flu.
One of the biggest concerns we run into when dealing with canine influenza is that is commonly misdiagnosed as the more common kennel cough. Kennel cough is a milder upper respiratory infection that is caused by several viruses and bacteria. Here’s why that’s a problem:
- Many dogs infected with canine flu are not tested, so the disease goes undiagnosed and undocumented.
- Also, if not tested very early in the course of the disease, many dogs yield a “false negative” (meaning the dog has canine flu but tested negative for it).
This is why we recommend vaccination for all at-risk dogs, whether your specific facility requires it or not.
If you are considering adopting a dog from a rescue or shelter, Dr. Collins also recommends vaccinating dogs already in your household.
Is HSM doing anything to prevent illness from Canine Influenza?
Unfortunately, the canine influenza vaccine does not induce a “sterile immunity.” This means that even vaccinated dogs may become infected and spread the flu. The vaccine does lessen the probability of illness and of death from canine influenza.
The only true prevention method is a strict isolation of infected animals, good disinfection protocols (like the ideas listed above), as well as biosecurity measures.
“Because most dogs are susceptible to canine influenza, and a small percentage of cases can be fatal, HSM has chosen to vaccinate all of our shelter dogs at intake for both strains of the virus,” said Dr. Collins. “We want to lessen the chance of serious illness in our shelter animals and help prevent the spread of this serious virus.”
We will keep you updated on any new developments, when they arise.