Canine Influenza H3N8 (Dog Flu) And Vaccination

Dog With Flu

​If you have just acquired a dog or you are a seasoned dog owner, you should know that dogs do get sick and many dogs will show signs of having the dog flu. The Dog flu other wised called H3N8 canine influenza is a virus which attacks the respiratory system. A dog catching flu is no different than when a human catches the flu. The signs and symptoms are just the same

Signs Of Canine Influenza

• Coughing
• Tiredness
• Loss of Appetite
• Runny Nose
• Sleep Often
• May even get headaches
• Fever

​The symptoms will vary from dog to dog just as flu would vary in different humans. Some dogs will not show these signs while other dogs will need emergency care due to their weak immune system.  If you suspect that your dog has H3N8 virus, the best option is to take in the animal immediately to the nearest vet and get it properly diagnosed so your vet can administer treatment. But it is not a real life and death situation for you to drive through a hurricane for. Most dogs who get the virus don’t die, unless the animal is suffering from other serious underlining problems.  But that does not mean you should not take Canine Influenza serious as if left untreated can lead to some serious respiratory infections. In a few cases it can develop into pneumonia, and you don't want it to get to such a dangerous level.

How Is Dog Flu Spread

Puppies and older dogs are much easier to catch dog flu and battle the virus because of two reasons.

1. Puppy’s immune systems are young and not fully developed to battle certain virus.
2. Older dogs immune system are getting old and may lose some strength as it relates to battling viruses and may need supplements.
   
   

The Dog flu is easily spread and likewise easily catch-able. All it takes is an infected dog to sneeze and other dogs around will catch the flu. A dog’s mouth is a place of living bacteria and dogs always lick each other. This type of activity will also spread the virus. Dog toys used by an infected dog can be used to also spread the dog flu as dogs tend to pick up toys in their mouth. All dogs are susceptible to catching the dog flu, so if you have a pit-bull or a poodle, it does not matter.

Dog Flu Treatment

One of the quickest ways to treat the dog flu symptoms is to actually get the vaccination. It is not a true vaccine in the real sense as it does not prevent the animal from catching the Influenza but instead reduces its effect in the dogs system.  But there is no super cure for canine influenza; it will have to run its course while the dog is generally treated. Some basic treatment of the Canine Influenza is:

• Antibiotics
• Constant hydration
• Comfort
• Sleep

If the virus is spreading around you must also ensure that you keep your dog away from mixing with other dogs until the virus is curbed. Keep the animal away from dog parks. If you pay for dog walking, if your dog is a lone walker, that's OK. But if it is a group walker, meaning the dog walker walks your dog with several other dogs, you may have to cut out that group walk for some time. Remember the safety and health of you canine always comes first.

What's in the Dog Flu Vaccine?

​Chemicals commonly used in the production of vaccines include a suspending fluid (sterile water, saline, or fluids containing protein); preservatives and stabilizers (for example, albumin, phenols, and glycine); and adjuvants or enhancers that help improve the vaccine's effectiveness. Vaccines also may contain very small amounts of the culture material used to grow the virus or bacteria used in the vaccine, such as chicken egg protein. (http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/additives.htm)