Just like humans, dogs can get sick with the flu.
The good news? Unlike this season’s human influenza outbreak, which has hit most of the United States hard, few cases of dog flu have been reported in Colorado.
More good news: Flu is primarily species-specific, which means dogs can’t catch human flu and humans can’t catch dog flu.
The bad news: Canine influenza is present in the state year-round, and it’s highly contagious. About 80 percent of dogs who come in contact with the virus will get sick, said Dr. Bridget Schuler, medical director of Banfield Pet Hospital’s Colorado North.
And because dog flu spreads quickly in places where dogs congregate inside — like at doggy day cares, boarding kennels or the groomer — it’s important for dog owners to watch for warning signs.
Canine influenza often looks like another common dog ailment: kennel cough. But dogs with the flu have more than just a cough. They also tend to run fevers and have nasal discharge. They lose their appetites and become lethargic and don’t want to do activities they usually enjoy, like walks or playing fetch.
Dogs with the flu can be contagious for up to three weeks and, if they’re sick, you need to keep them home.
How you treat a dog with the flu depends largely on how healthy your dog is otherwise, said Dr. Gabriele Landolt, an assistant professor at Colorado State University’s veterinary school. Landolt’s research focuses on influenza and infectious upper respiratory pathogens.
“If you have a dog that’s a little under the weather, but mostly still seems healthy, apply the same common sense you would apply to yourself,” Landolt said. “Make sure your dog gets plenty of rest, and keep him quiet, warm and sheltered.”
But if the dog has a pre-existing health condition such as heart disease or anything that compromises the immune system, your best bet is to go to the vet.
“Every dog is different,” Schuler said. “The treatment will depend on the underlying conditions. It could include antibiotics if you’re worried about an underlying secondary infection.”
The best way to protect your dog is to get the canine influenza vaccine. Dogs who have had the vaccine are less likely to get sick and, if they do, their symptoms tend to be less severe and they recover more quickly.
