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Most dog parents have heard of the canine flu. It isn't an especially dangerous virus, but just as with people, a flu shouldn't be taken lightly, especially where fever is involved. Here's how to read your dog's temperature, what to watch for, and ten quick facts every dog parent should know.
Dog flu usually shows up as respiratory distress, sometimes with other symptoms such as fever. Because it's a virus, it's quite contagious. One thing to know: a dog runs about three degrees warmer than we do. Where normal in people is around 98.6°F, a dog is normal just under 102. In either case the tolerance is about one degree either way. 103°F in a dog is a fever. At 106°F, it's a medical emergency.
If the temperature climbs into the 104 to 105 range, get a vet involved; special fever-reducing measures may be needed. As for the flu itself, if it isn't dealt with properly it can lead to secondary infections that are much more serious.
Symptoms of canine influenza: a slight fever (103 to 104°F), a persistent cough that can last 10 to 30 days, and a runny nose, often with a greenish discharge. Less common: lethargy, secondary respiratory infections, and loss of appetite.
The "dog flu" comes from infection by the canine influenza virus, a contagious respiratory disease that started out as the horse flu. Until fairly recently it had only ever been found in horses.
Dog flu has only been reported since 2004. For forty years before that it was a horse illness that came around each flu season, until it jumped from horses to several breeds of racing dogs at a Florida racetrack. It was named "canine influenza," and because it was so contagious it spread quickly across the country. It's now considered a dog-specific lineage of the virus.
The common symptoms are a runny nose, coughing, and fever. Less common ones include lethargy, respiratory infections, and loss of appetite. See the temperature guide above for what counts as a fever.
Much like the flu in people, canine influenza spreads through contaminated objects and airborne germs. Because dogs haven't built up much defense against it yet, nearly every dog who meets the virus will catch it, with symptoms within about five days. Kennels, shelters, dog parks, and daycare are the common places. If your dog is showing signs, don't share their toys and keep them away from other dogs until the symptoms have passed. The virus can also travel on you, so wash your hands thoroughly if you have to handle other pets.
It is very rare for a dog to die of canine influenza. But left alone, dog flu can worsen and even turn into pneumonia, so take good care of a dog who is showing symptoms. Most cases are mild and pass quickly when given the attention and care needed.
If you see the symptoms above for more than two days, a vet can test for it; there are two tests commonly run to detect canine influenza. If you'd like a second opinion on what you're hearing before you go, book a free consultation and describe it.
Just like the flu in people, care for dog flu consists mainly of supportive care and hydration. Keeping fluids in your dog is essential, and we strongly recommend natural supplements to support the immune response. Sometimes a vet will prescribe antibiotics for a suspected secondary bacterial infection. If so, give your dog probiotics alongside them. Antibiotics clear out the good gut bacteria along with the bad, and the good ones are part of what helps the healing along.
This one's worth researching for yourself. Most vets won't administer a canine influenza vaccine to a dog who isn't at high risk. Since the majority of cases are mild and short, many dog owners prefer to handle the flu if it comes rather than risk a reaction to the vaccine. Remember that your dog is your dog. You decide what's best for your best friend.
There's no evidence of canine influenza traveling to the human population. Then again, thirty years ago there was no evidence of equine influenza spreading to dogs either. New strains of flu virus turn up every year, but for now there's no reason to believe you'll need a sick day. It will likely be a while before "I caught the flu from my dog" catches up with "my dog ate my homework."
Keeping your dog away from infected dogs obviously helps. Beyond that, keep your dog in top shape: good food, daily supplements, and regular exercise. Prevention is the best medicine around. It's our job as dog parents to give a strong immune system the nutrition and environment it needs. Do that well, and we tip the scales toward our dogs never dealing with the flu at all.
The Breathe Easy BundleAntioxidant Treats for the immune system underneath, Ox-E Drops for the bowl and the vaporizer, and the interactive step-by-step guideSee the program →
Over the years we built the Breathe Easy Bundle to give families a real alternative when a dog's breathing is in trouble. Antioxidant Treats handle the inside job: they ease the stress on the body and feed the processes it runs on, especially the immune system. Ox-E Drops work two ways, in the food or water bowl and in a vaporizer, to help the body clear the microbial invaders. Many families have written to tell us how their dog came through the flu on this approach; seven of them are on this shelf.
Fever climbing, or a cough that's dragging on? Describe what you're seeing. Book a free consultation →
Rest and fluids carry the dog through.
A strong immune system
is what does the clearing.
A dog's normal runs about three degrees warmer than ours: just under 102°F, with about a degree of tolerance either way. 103 is a fever. At 104 to 105, get a vet involved, since fever-reducing measures may be needed. 106 is a medical emergency.
Symptoms show up within about five days of exposure. The cough can persist for 10 to 30 days, though most cases are mild and pass with rest, fluids, and support for the immune system.
There's no evidence of canine influenza traveling to people. Thirty years ago there was no evidence of equine influenza spreading to dogs either, and new strains turn up every year, so it's worth washing your hands. For now, no reason to plan a sick day.
The Breathe Easy Bundle: Antioxidant Treats for the stress on the body and the immune response, and Ox-E Drops both in the diet and in a vaporizer to help the body clear the microbial invaders. The bundle includes the interactive guide with the steps for your dog's size. If you'd rather talk it through with a person first, our free consultation is always there.
Keep reading on this shelf
Kennel Cough in Dogs: Why Antibiotics Fall Short, and the Three-Way AnswerRead now 5 Home Remedies for Kennel Cough SymptomsRead now
Koleha's story: a 1½-pound puppy, breathing easier in 12 hoursRead now
A flu that won't let go, or a fever you're watching climb, is exactly what a free consultation is for. Book a free consultation and tell us the temperature, what the cough sounds like, and what your dog is taking, and we'll tell you honestly what it sounds like, including whether a vet visit makes sense.
The consultation is a scheduled half hour with the people who have walked hundreds of families through this, so you get real time and real answers instead of a rushed phone call. It's free, and it always will be.
