For the last few years, every spring has brought with it an outbreak in Canine Influenza (H3N8 or H3N2 specifically). This disease is highly contagious, meaning that it often spreads rapidly in multi-dog homes, doggy daycares, and even local dog parks after just a few minutes of exposure.
Unfortunately, preventing Canine Influenza is extremely difficult. Like other flu viruses, including H1N1 in humans, the viruses that cause “dog flu” often mutate and become resistant to vaccinations. What works one year can become ineffective or less effective the next year.
While you should vaccinate in most situations, you shouldn’t rely on influenza vaccination alone to protect your dog. Instead, you should do your best to better understand the symptoms of Canine Influenza and how they can manifest.
Next, let’s look at the most common symptoms, how they manifest as the disease progresses, and when symptoms should indicate a vet visit for treatment.
Mild Form of Canine Influenza
Early on, dogs with a mild form of Canine Influenza will typically experience the following symptoms:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Light wheezing
- Anorexia (refusing to eat)
- High fevers (more than 103 Fahrenheit)
- Restlessness, whining, and unusual behavior
- Red, irritated, runny eyes
- A runny nose (with or without mucous)
The good news about Canine Influenza is that the majority of dogs fight off the virus on their own. This process can take some time; it’s common for pups to have lingering symptoms for as little as a few days to a couple of weeks.
Severe Form of Canine Influenza
The warning signs of a severe form of Canine Influenza includes (but is not limited to):
- High fevers
- Pneumonia
- Extreme fatigue
- Respiratory distress
- Bleeding in the lungs
- Secondary lung infection
- Liver, kidney, or heart complications
- Refusal or inability to eat, leading to wasting
- Extreme dehydration (especially in the presence of vomiting)
Although most dogs never reach the second stage of Canine Influenza, some dogs seem unfortunately susceptible to a worsening of symptoms. Puppies, elderly dogs, and dogs with serious health conditions like canine diabetes or autoimmune conditions are much more likely to experience severe influenza than young, healthy dogs.
That said, just like some humans, some dogs also just seem to get every virus going around when outbreaks occur. We don’t fully understand why; it likely comes down to genetics.
In either case, there does seem to be a tie between generally poor health and a worsening of symptoms. Because their bodies are already struggling to stay healthy, the viruses can overwhelm them, demanding supportive treatment just to keep them alive.
When to Visit the Veterinarian
There’s one hard and fast rule when it comes to taking care of your dog in the face of an illness or injury: when in doubt, vet it out!
This is by far the best advice we can give you. If you aren’t sure about your dog’s symptoms, or you are concerned he’s ill, take him to the vet. The small cost of an exam fee is nothing compared to the high costs of in-hospital supportive care for a severely sick pup – and it’s certainly better than the frightening alternative of no care at all.
If your dog demonstrates very mild symptoms that are barely noticeable, it’s acceptable to monitor her closely for one to three days. Pay close attention to how much she’s eating, if she seems fatigued, and if her behavior is off.
If symptoms clear up, just continue to keep a close eye on her. Ensure she has access to high-quality dog food and as much water as she wants to drink.
Be cautious in waiting to address escalating symptoms for too long. Mild symptoms can suddenly swing around just when they seem to be getting better, turning into severe illness. This should be considered a medical emergency because it may indicate secondary infections and/or lung infiltration; both of these can threaten your dog’s life if they aren’t treated quickly.
If your dog continues to have these symptoms for months or many weeks after the suspected infection, she may be suffering from something other than Canine Influenza. Other diseases than can mimic the early symptoms include allergies, canine rhinotracheitis, asthma, bacterial infections, and other viral infections.
Remember: Dogs Instinctively (Try to) Hide Illnesses
In the wild, a sick wolf is a dead wolf. Other pack members and animals will prey on a weak animal because it’s an easy target. Despite thousands of years of domestication, most dogs still carry that genetic instinct to hide their illnesses from their owners until it’s too late. Never assume that your dog is well just because he stops demonstrating clear symptoms out of the blue.
Also, remember that dogs can’t tell us if they’re sick with words. Instead, they express what they’re feeling in other more subtle ways. The only sign may be a dog that’s suddenly sleeping all day and all night or a gentle dog that suddenly becomes snappy. These behavioral changes indicate that something is wrong; it just isn’t always easy to identify what that something is. Your vet can help!
Treatment for Mild to Moderate Dog Flu Symptoms
While vet care should be your first line of fire in diagnosing or treating Canine Influenza, there are some comfort care options you can use at home to reduce your dog’s symptoms. You should use these in tandem with your vet’s recommended treatment options, rather than as a substitute for vet care.
Switch to Canine Recovery Foods
First, if your dog is struggling with eating due to breathing issues, switch to wet food from kibble. Give a good recovery food from the vet if it’s been a few days or he’s losing weight. Recovery foods have extra protein, fat, and calories, making it easier for your dog to get what he needs in fewer meals.
If he still struggles, you can try thinning the food down with a bit of warm water. Try letting him lick the slurry off of your hand if needed; getting food into him is extremely important.
Fluids to Maintain Hydration
Hydration is, in many ways, even more important than food. Dehydration can cause a whole host of problems for your dog, including a worsening of influenza symptoms as mucous in the body becomes too thick. Keep a water dish close by and easily available; this is one time you want to encourage a lazy pup to lay around!
Some dogs will refuse to drink when they have influenza, especially if their noses are congested or they have a sore throat. Adding a little bit of low-salt chicken broth to his water (or even giving straight broth) is a great way to tempt him to drink fluids.
Yes, this does mean it’s perfectly reasonable to make your pup a bowl of homemade chicken soup! Just skip the salt, spices, onion, and garlic. Stick with plain chicken and vegetables instead.
Remain Indoors to Keep Warm
Dogs should be kept indoors for the duration of their illnesses, especially if the weather outside is anything but warm and sunny. Bathroom breaks are fine, but cut back on the extended walks and play sessions until he’s feeling more chipper.
If your dog has a fever, is shivering, or otherwise seems cold, wrap a SnuggleSafe in a blanket and tuck it into bed with him. This will keep him warm and provide a bit of comforting heat while he sleeps. As with any other pet device, you should only allow your dog to use the SnuggleSafe under supervision.
If your dog normally has to walk upstairs or travel across the house to sleep, consider moving his bed temporarily. Judge his personality when considering where to place this temporary nest. A dog who prefers peace and quiet probably doesn’t want to be in the middle of a kid’s playroom. Conversely, a dog who hates to be alone probably won’t feel good about being left in a room by himself.
No matter where you place his bed, check on him often. Once an hour is best during the day and at least once during the night if he’s fairly sick. Like when you take care of a sick child, you may find yourself providing comfort more often – and it’s very much appreciated!