What is Canine Influenza? How worried should I be?

Canine Influenza (CID) is a recently recognized viral upper respiratory infection of dogs that causes licking of lips, reverse sneezing, sneezing, coughing, fever and lethargy. It is contagious through saliva and nasal discharge directly or indirectly through the air or left on objects. Symptoms often occur 2-4 days after exposure.

As of the start of 2014, Canine Influenza was endemic (regularly occuring) in Florida and New York City, with many parts of the rest of the country only reporting occasional outbreaks. A Canine Influenza vaccine is available, and is mostly used in shelters or other places that large numbers of dogs are brought together.

Like Human Influenza, Canine Influenza is highly contagious (easy to catch when exposed to a sick patient). And like Human Influenza, primary treatment is supportive care. Antibiotics would not be warrented unless there is evidence of secondary bacterial infection. Also like Human Influenza, Canine Influenza is most dangerous to the young (under 1 year of age) or the elderly (over 9 years of age) or to patients with concurrent respiratory or cardiac disease (chronic bronchitis, emphysema, collapsing trachea, laryngeal paralysis, congestive heart failure).

What can you do to protect your dog? During a reported outbreak, the best thing to do is to reduce contact with other dogs or places where other dogs congregate (kennels, groomers, obedience schools, veterinary hospitals, petstores, dog parks). Avoid face to face contact with other dogs on the street or through the fence. If you have exposure to animals, wash your hands and change your clothing before returning home to your own dog. During a reported outbreak, we would keep you updated through this website or our Facebook account as to other measures that may be helpful.

If your dog is showing symptoms, call your veterinarian for help! Specific testing is available to diagnose Canine Influenza and separate it from the more common place Kennel Cough Disease.