Dog flu, also known as canine influenza, is a respiratory disease that affects dogs. It can be passed from animal to animal, but does not affect humans. Although it can be a serious illness, like human flu, it usually is not severe. Knowing the symptoms of canine flu will help you detect it early and seek appropriate medical attention for your dog.
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Cough
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Coughing is typically the first indication that there is something wrong with your dog. Often, owners mistake the coughing for kennel cough, according to Heart Spring. However, unlike kennel cough, the cough for canine flu tends to carry on for a week and half to three weeks, much longer than kennel cough usually lasts. Sometimes the cough may be productive and bring up phlegm, other times the cough may be dry and unproductive. If your vet suspects kennel cough, your dog will likely be treated with a cough suppressant or antibiotic. If the cough is persistent despite treatment, this can lead your vet to suspect the flu.
Runny Nose
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Although dogs are generally expected to have a wet, cold nose, one of the classic signs of canine flu is a runny nose. A dog that has developed the flu will likely have more than the wet nose associated with dogs. Instead, sick dogs have a thicker nasal discharge, which is often green, according to DogPro.com. However, nasal production may also be bloody in color. Usually this thick discharge will ooze out of your dog's nose signaling that the first symptom, the cough, is not just kennel cough. Sneezing is also associated with the nasal discharge.
Fever
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Typically, a dog's internal body temperature is around 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit. With the canine flu, your dog will likely develop a low grade fever in the first week or so. As the virus progresses, the fever can rise to 104 to 106 degrees. If your dog's skin feels hot to the touch, you can try taking your dog's temperature to determine if a fever is present. Temperatures can be taken with a digital thermometer.
Pneumonia
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Untreated and in extreme cases even with treatment, canine flu can develop into pneumonia. According to Dog Health Guide, a dog with pneumonia will have a loss of appetite, become dehydrated, be lethargic and have labored breathing. These symptoms will often be in conjunction with the normal flu symptoms of coughing, runny nose and fever. Pneumonia occurs when the infection moves to your dog's lungs. Since pneumonia can result in death when untreated, it is important to contact your vet immediately if you suspect the flu has progressed.
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