You may have heard about recent cases of Canine Influenza Virus (CIV), H3N2, or “dog flu.” Here are a few facts to keep you and your pets safe:
- Signs of CIV include coughing, nasal discharge, fever, and lethargy. Most dogs recover in a few weeks time.
- CIV is very contagious, and dogs that don’t seem very ill can still spread the virus.
- The most recent cases of CIV have been linked to dog shows and a boarding facility. If your dog is showing signs of CIV, please isolate them from other dogs and contact your veterinarian.
- There is a vaccine for CIV available. It’s two doses, given a few weeks apart. If you occasionally board your dog, visit dog parks, or attend dog shows, it’s a good idea to get your dogs vaccinated.
- Cats can be affected by CIV, and it can be transmitted from cat-to-cat. Cats show many of the same signs as dogs when infected, including a runny nose and sneezing. There is no evidence CIV can be transmitted to humans.
Here is a great resource for pet owners about CIV: https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/FAQs/Pages/Control-of-Canine-Influenza-in-Dogs.aspx