If you live in Florida, you may have heard that the first cases of dog flu were reported a few days ago. The virus can leave your dog with symptoms that usually last between five and seven days. Dog flu can be extremely contagious and it is important to take precautions to keep your dog safe and healthy.

What is dog flu?

Also known as canine influenza, dog flu is an infection caused by either the virus strain H3N2 or H3N8. H3N2 is seen more commonly in the U.S. The strains are thought to have arrived from Asia.

How can my dog become infected with the flu?

Dog flu is an airborne virus. If your dog has been infected, their cough, barks or sneezes are enough to infect another canine host. The virus can also be spread through objects and environments that have been contaminated. Food and water bowls, collars and leashes, or contract with humans who have interacted with an infected dog can spread the virus.

Avoiding crowded places – like dog parks and beaches – will make it far less likely that your dog will come into contact with an infected dog.

What are the symptoms?

Similar to the flu that infects humans, the symptoms of dog flu include:

• Sneezing
• Runny eyes
• Fever
• Lethargy
• Difficulty Breathing
• Coughing
• Nasal discharge

Another similarity to the human flu is that cases can range from mild to severe. While the mortality rate for the virus is low, you should take your dog to the vet if they begin to experience any of the symptoms listed above.

How can I treat my dog if they become infected?

You must take them to the vet. There are treatments that can help your dog feel more comfortable as the virus runs its course, but currently there is no cure for dog flu. Your vet may prescribe antibiotics based on the severity of the case.

Your vet can provide you with useful information about the best methods to treat your dog’s case of the flu.

Preventing dog flu

Keeping your furry friends away from crowded places like parks, hotels and pet stores is the first step towards prevention.

Wash your hands and clothes if you have interacted with other dogs. We can carry the virus on our hands and clothes for up to 24 hours after interacting with an infected dog.

A vaccination exists but is not guaranteed to deflect the entire virus. The shot could potentially reduce the length and severity of the virus for your dog.