About 80 percent of dogs with dog flu will have a mild form of the disease, characterized by cough, and maybe some nasal discharge, that will resolve over time with appropriate treatment. Only a minority of dogs with dog flu experience more severe complications, such as pneumonia. Just like the humans infected with
influenza, certain populations of dogs are more likely to develop dog
flu complications. Death is a rare complication of dog flu.
Dog Flu: Suggestions for Owners
At this point, dog flu has occurred in a small number of states, including Florida, New York, and Massachusetts. It is important to take a commonsense approach regarding dog flu. If your dog is showing any signs of a respiratory illness, you should get advice from your veterinarian. Suggestions for dog owners include:
- If you take your dog to a veterinarian, tell him or her whether your dog has been at a boarding kennel recently
- If you take your dog to a boarding kennel, use one that is well known to you
- Continue to be alert to pronouncements that are released in terms of any dog flu outbreaks that are occurring in your area.
H3N8 equine
influenza virus (the "dog flu" virus) has been in horses for over 40 years and now, more recently, in dogs. However, there has never been a documented case of human infection with this virus.
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