Signs & Symptoms of Dog Flu

Dog flu is a highly contagious airborne illness that can infect nearly every dog it comes in contact with. Although dog flu is rarely fatal among otherwise healthy adult dogs, extreme cases can lead a dog to develop pneumonia and just the dog flu itself can be very damaging to very young, very old or weak dogs.

  1. Coughing

    • Dog flu, like another highly contagious canine illness "kennel cough," causes dogs to develop a cough. The difference between the cough associated with the dog flu is that it can persist longer (up to three weeks) if it isn't discovered and treated earlier.

    Congestion

    • Dogs who have contracted dog flu will generally be sneezing and many will have discharge from the nose (runny nose), others may also have discharge from the eyes. The discharge from an infected dog's nose and eyes can infect other dogs.

    Difficulty Breathing

    • Rapid, shallow or labored breathing without any type of exertion or activity may be a sign of dog flu.

    Lethargy/Lack of Energy

    • Dogs who seem tired all the time, especially those who are normally active during the day could possibly be infected. Lethargy accompanying other symptoms above or a fever are signs that you should seek medical treatment for your canine.

    Treatments

    • Persistent coughing in a dog is something that should never be ignored; any of the signs mentioned above or severe changes in behavior are signs that your dog needs medical attention. Some dogs that have contracted dog flu will naturally fight the infection without showing many symptoms; dogs with more severe cases will usually make a full recovery after treatment with antibiotics.