Puppy Flu

In dogs, the flu is caused by the canine influenza virus. Dogs of any age―including puppies―can develop a case of influenza, or dog flu.

  1. Identification

    • The specific influenza virus that affects canines is known as the H3N8 influenza virus. Originally, this virus affected only horses; in 2004, it made the jump from horses to canines.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of canine flu may include a fever, coughing, a runny nose and a thick, green discharge from the nose, which may indicate a bacterial infection. In severe cases, the puppy may develop pneumonia.

    Diagnosis

    • Puppies will undergo several tests to rule out more serious causes of illness such as canine parvo or distemper. To confirm canine influenza, blood tests may be run.

    Treatment

    • As with a case of the flu in a person, dogs mostly require supportive care to recover. Fresh clean water is ideal to prevent dehydration and some dogs may require antibiotics if a secondary infection has developed.

    Prevention

    • There is a vaccine available for canine influenza that can be used prior to traveling or boarding a dog in a kennel. Owners of dogs with a confirmed case of canine influenza should prevent contact with other dogs until the dog has fully recovered.