A simple vaccination can keep your dog and community safe from an outbreak.
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Dog Flu can pass from dog to dog through direct physical contact or from virus particles in the air. It can also be spread through objects that were touched by infected dogs, like toys or water bowls.
Some of your dog’s favorite places are high risk areas. Dog parks, day cares, boarding facilities and other pet-friendly locations can all pose a threat to your dog.
The first confirmed Dog Flu (H3N8 strain) outbreak occurred in Florida at a greyhound racing track. Since then, another strain has emerged (H3N2) and one or both strains have been seen in almost every state in the US.
*Cornell University, Test Summary for Canine Influenza Virus in Dogs not Affiliated with Greyhound Racetracks, 2009; Crawford, et al., Transmission of Equine Influenza Virus to Dogs, P.C., 2005. Syndromic surveillance data of Cynda Crawford, DVM, PhD, University of Florida; Edward Dubovi, PhD, Cornell University; Sanjay Kapill, DVM, PhD, ACVIM, Oklahoma State University; IDEXX Laboratories and Cornell AHDC CIV Surveillance Network.
Last updated 08/2021
Be aware of the following common signs of Dog Flu:
Mild, low-grade fever (103°F)
Runny nose that may change from clear to thick
Lethargy or sleepy demeanor
Cough, which may be dry or may bring up sputum
Loss of appetite
Learn more about the risk and prevention of Dog Flu.
Tour to Prevent Dog Flu
Stay on top of preventive care, and keep your business free from an outbreak, with this free handbook from medical and industry professionals
Update your vaccination protocol using the new AAHA Lifestyle Based Vaccination Calculator
AAHA reports on how kennels and boarding facilities are reacting to the Dog Flu outbreak
"Dogs at risk should be vaccinated at least yearly with both influenza strains, H3N8 and H3N2, in addition to the other causes of 'Canine Cough'"
Dr. Ronald SchultzProfessor of Pathobiological Sciences, University Of Wisconsin School Of Veterinary Medicine
"In my experience, not only is prevention of disease through wellness exams and vaccination the best medicine for the patient, it is also the most economical for the client."
Dr. Natalie MarksVeterinary Professional Blum Animal Hospital, Chicago, IL
"Based on experimental studies in Asia and the rate of spread we've observed, I would estimate that H3N2 produces 10 times more virus than H3N8, which makes it far more contagious"
Edward Dubovi, Ph.D.Professor of Virology, Animal Health Diagnostic Center, Cornell University
2. Crawford C, Spindel M. Canine influenza. In: Miller L, Hurley K, eds. Infectious Disease Management in Animal Shelters. Ames, IA: Wiley-Blackwell; 2009:173-180.
We have tools and tips to help contain the spread of Dog Flu in your facilities.
Read more about Dog Flu origins, treatment, symptoms and prevention.