Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Canine Influenza?
Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) is a respiratory virus very similar to human influenza.
The 1st reported case in the US was in 2004.

Note: As of October 18, 2011, there have been no confirmed cases and no fatalities in Minnesota.

What are the signs/symptoms?
Symptoms are similar to human influenza.  They usually appear less than 5 days after infection, and can range in severity, based on age, overall health, individual sensitivity, and other unknown factors. 

Mild Infection

• Coughing - dry or wet
• Sneezing
• Nasal and sinus congestion
• Discharge from the nose and/or eyes
• Decrease in energy, lethargy or listlessness
• Anorexia
• Low grade fever

Severe or High Risk Infection

• The above signs along with:
• Pneumonia symptoms
• High fever
• Increased breathing rate and/or difficulty breathing
• Coughing up blood or bloody phlegm

There have been a very small number of cases reported which have resulted in the pet's death.  Generally these dogs were experiencing severe immune compromise and/or had other extreme circumstances which contributed to their death.  No deaths from CIV have been reported in Minnesota.

How is it transmitted/spread?
Much like human influenza, CIV is highly contagious and rapidly spread by direct contact with an infected animal or through the air through coughing, sneezing, even panting (it has been shown to affect animals from a distance of 20 feet or more). 

The virus can also survive outside the body for considerable amounts of time, so fomite transmission (transmission on an object) such as on a water bowl, toy, human hand, shoe, kennel, etc is a definite risk.

NOTE: There is currently no evidence to show that humans can be infected by this disease.

Who is at risk?
All dogs who are exposed to the virus are at some level of risk of infection.  As with other diseases, contact does not guarantee infection, and different dogs will show differences in severity of symptoms (ranging from none to severe symptoms, including, in very rare situations, death).  Most dogs are at little to no risk.

As with all flus, the very young and very old and otherwise immune-compromised patients are at the highest risk.
Owners whose dogs interact with other dogs on a regular basis or in uncontrolled situations, such as dog parks, hunting, pet stores, groomers,  and kennels are at increased risk of exposure, because of the higher number of dogs they come into contact with. 

Certain areas of the country have reported cases of CIV (as well as other diseases or risks that may not be an issue for your dog in Minnesota or Wisconsin), and traveling can increase your pet's exposure to new contagions.  You should talk to your veterinarian about these risks if you plan to travel with your pet.

A pet's full risk for any disease can be complicated to assess.  A trained veterinarian is the best resource to give you a full risk assessment for your dog.

How do I prevent my dog from getting CIV?
Prevention starts with education.  Learn what you can (from reliable sources, such as your veterinarian and some of the links we've posted on this website), so that you can recognize risks to your pet and make the best health care decisions for him/her.

A vaccine for the CIV (H3N8) is on the market.  Como Park Animal Hospital currently offers this vaccine, as an option to our clients.  Just like human flu shots, this vaccine may not completely prevent canine influenza but will make it less likely. And if a vaccinated dog does get the flu, the signs are likely to be milder. Ask your veterinarian if the vaccine is appropriate for your dog(s).*  (Please note: not all vaccines are appropriate for all animals.  Ask us to help you decide if this vaccine is right for your dog).

Also, simple things like proper sanitation can help greatly with prevention.  Don't share toys or food bowls with dogs that you don't know or who are acting sick.  If you take your dog to a daycare, kennel or groomer, make sure they also practice good sanitation and monitor all dogs closely for signs of any illness - you'd be surprised how many of these professionals see health problems in pets before the owner even does.  Wash your hands after interacting with a dog you don't know.  Keep your dogs on a leash when they are outside of the house, so you can control who they contact.

Should all dogs get vaccinated?
As with other vaccines (excluding rabies and distemper), the need for a vaccination against CIV is dependent on the specific dog's risk for exposure and infection.

To help determine a specific dog's risk, see the "Who is at risk" section above, or better yet, set up a Risk Assessment consultation with a veterinarian to discuss your dog's individual risk of contracting CIV (and other communicable diseases in your area).

What is Como Park Animal Hospital doing to help my dog (and all dogs)?
Como Park Animal Hospital is working to keep dog owners informed of all potential health risks, including CIV.  We will have information available online and at our hospital, and will update it as we receive new information.  And of course, our knowledgeable and friendly doctors and staff are happy to hear from you on the phone 651-487-3255 to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

The H3N8 CIV vaccine is available at Como Park Animal Hospital. (see "How do I prevent my dog from getting CIV?" section above for more information on prevention and the vaccine itself)  Clients can either choose to request this vaccine be added to their dog's current vaccination protocol at their next regularly scheduled visit, OR they can set up a Health Exam and Risk Assessment Consultation with a veterinarian sooner.

This is by no means a comprehensive list of symptoms and information about this disease, it's treatment or vaccination.  Como Park Animal Hospital veterinarians advise all dog owners to contact their veterinarian with any questions or concerns about their dog's health in general and as it relates to CIV.