symptoms of dog flu

What Are the Symptoms of Dog Flu?

Dog Flu Symptoms Are Similar to
Other Canine Respiratory Infections

Without proper diagnosis, all canine respiratory diseases look similar. Dog Flu, or canine influenza virus, is a viral disease and, because of that, it's more difficult to treat than canine cough, also known as kennel cough.

Kennel cough is a bacterial infection easily treated with antibiotics. Dog Flu, on the other hand, is a virus that can't be "cured". All you and your vet can do is make your dog as comfortable as possible while the flu virus runs its course.

As a dog owner, the best way to protect the dog you love is to vaccinate against both viruses.

Contact your veterinarian if your dog is showing
any of these common signs of Dog Flu.

LOSS OF APPETITE

MOIST OR
DRY COUGH

CLEAR OR THICK
RUNNY NOSE

MILD, LOW-GRADE FEVER (103°F)

LACK OF ENERGY
(LETHARGY)

HOW TO TALK TO YOUR
VET ABOUT DOG FLU

Severe cases of Dog Flu often lead to
pneumonia and can also lead to secondary
bacterial infections and even death. Watch
your dog closely for:

  • High fever (greater than 104°F)
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Loss of energy (lethargy) and signs of depression
  • Severe appetite loss
Severe cases of Dog Flu
80-90%
of dogs exposed to
Dog Flu will become
infected1
20%
of dogs may develop a severe
form of Dog Flu1
Dog Flu Symptomg

Dog Flu symptoms can last for 7-10 days or longer. The time between when your dog is infected and when it shows symptoms (the incubation period) is 2-4 days. If your dog is diagnosed, help prevent the virus from spreading by isolating your dog from other dogs and cats, and cleaning and disinfecting all areas, food bowls, water bowls, beds and toys that your dog comes in contact with.

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Dog Flu or Kennel Cough?

The symptoms of Dog Flu, a virus, are almost identical to those of canine (kennel) cough, a disease
caused by the Bordetella bacteria. Both are respiratory illnesses. However, while Bordetella-related
illnesses can be treated with antibiotics, there is currently no treatment for Dog Flu. Dog Flu is
a potentially more severe viral disease and can only be addressed with supportive treatment,
meaning there is no "cure". You can only make your dog comfortable while the virus runs its course.
The best prevention is vaccination.

Dog Flu

VS

Canine (Kennel) Cough

8%1

of infected dogs may die

0%2
14%3

yet

of dogs are vaccinated

58%3

Highly contagious

Clinical signs: cough, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite

Clinical signs include honking cough

Does not respond to antibiotic treatment

Primary cause of pneumonia

Vaccine recommended in AAHA* guidelines

May result in death

*American Animal Hospital Association

It’s important to vaccinate for BOTH Bordetella and Dog Flu, especially if your dog
is social. Many daycares, groomers, and boarding facilities are already requiring
both vaccines, and it can mean the difference between life and death.

HOW TO TALK TO YOUR VET
ABOUT DOG FLU

Did You Know?

The symptoms of Dog Flu, a virus, are almost identical to those of canine (kennel) cough, a disease
caused by the Bordetella bacteria. However, while Bordetella-related illnesses can be treated with
antibiotics, there is currently no treatment for Dog Flu. Dog Flu is a potentially more severe viral
disease and can only be addressed with supportive treatment. The best prevention is vaccination.

Dog Flu

VS

Canine (Kennel) Cough

8%1

% of infected dogs may die

0%2
14%3

% of dogs are vaccinated

yet

58%3

Highly contagious

Clinical signs: cough, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite

Clinical signs include honking cough

Does not respond to antibiotic treatment

Primary cause of pneumonia

Vaccine recommended in AAHA* guidelines

May result in death

*American Animal Hospital Association

It’s important to vaccinate for BOTH Bordetella and Dog Flu, especially if your dog
is social. Many daycares, groomers, and boarding facilities are already requiring
both vaccines, and it can mean the difference between life and death.

HOW TO TALK TO YOUR VET
ABOUT DOG FLU

My dog doesn’t have
these symptoms

Learn how you can keep your
dog from getting sick >

My dog has
these symptoms

Learn how you can help
stop the spread >

1. 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.
2. 5 Facts About the Bordetella Vaccine for Dogs. American Kennel Club. 2017. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/facts-bordetella-vaccine-dogs.
3. Data on file. Merck Animal Health, Madison, NJ. [Dog Flu Detailer].

FEATURED LINKS

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FAQs

Read common questions about Dog Flu strains, spread and vaccinations.

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