I recently visited Brixton Pet Health in Katy, Texas. This facility is a one stop shop for caring for your dog. Not only is there grooming and day camp, but there is also a full veterinary team there to help when your doggie gets sick. The Chief of Staff for Brixton, Dr. Steve Chen, provided the facts about dog flu and how you can keep your doggie from being exposed to it.

What is the dog flu?

Dog Flu, also known as  Canine Influenza (H3N2) is a respiratory illness found in dogs. Dogs suffering have respiratory symptoms including coughing, nasal and ocular discharge, and exhaustion. Earlier this year there was an influx of dogs being treated for these symptoms. This is the first time that the Canine Influenza has been found in North America; testing has shown this strain is almost identical to the dog flu that was previously found in dogs of Korea.

What symptoms are seen in dogs?

Symptoms include coughing, fever, and lethargy. In more serious cases, pneumonia has occurred.

Can humans get H3N2 canine influenza?

There is no evidence of the canine influenza being transferred to humans. This strain of the flu can affect cats but there have been no cases.

What areas have been affected?

Over 1000 dogs have been diagnosed with the dog flu. Areas that have confirmed cases are Chicago, Wisconsin, Indian, Iowa, Atlanta, Cincinnati and along the east coast. It is still unknown as to how the virus was brought to the United States.

How long is the incubation period?

The incubation period of H3N8 canine influenza virus is less than 5 days with a range of 24 days from exposure to onset of clinical signs. The incubation period for H3N2 canine influenza is most likely the same.

What about vaccinations?

Currently, there is not an approved vaccination specifically for Canine Influenza H3N2 in the United States. Nobivac® Canine Flu H3N8 was released in 2009 and is recommended to control the spreading of H3N8 canine influenza virus infection. The vaccine is used to reduce the occurrence and severity of lung lesions, as well as the duration of coughing and viral shedding. Vaccines may provide a some cross-protection against different strains of the same virus, it is still not known if the current vaccine will be of any help in combating the s Canine Influenza strain, H3N2.

What can be done to help stop the spread of the disease and what do pet owners need to know?

H3N2 is highly infectious. Pet owners should avoid areas where dogs come in direct contact, especially if your dog shows signs of respiratory disease or signs consistent with Canine Influenza. The virus spreads very quickly, especially at boarding, grooming and doggy day care facilities, and dog parks.  This strain of the dog flu virus can be spread by direct contact with respiratory discharge from infected dogs, through the air, by coughing, sneezing, and by contact with contaminated objects such as dog bowls and clothing, or by people moving between infected and uninfected dogs. If your dog is showing showing signs of respiratory disease they should not participate in activities with other dogs or go to places where other dogs can be exposed.  Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog has any symptoms. Any clothing, equipment, surfaces, and hands that come in contact with a possibly infected dog should be cleaned and disinfected. Treatment consists mainly of supportive care, such as fluids and medication to help a dog be more comfortable

Where can you get more information?

More information about Canine Influenza Virus is available on the Center for Disease Control website.

About Dr. Chen, Chief of Staff
Dr. Steve Chen is a 2003 graduate from Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine. He was born in Taiwan and he is a third generation veterinarian. Dr. Chen served as the Chief of Staff at Banfield Pet Hospital of Katy for almost 10 years before joining Brixton. He has a special interest in soft tissue surgery and ultrasound. He has four Shih Tzu, one Yorkshire Terrier and a German Shepherd Dog, but he loves cats, too. Dr. Chen enjoys watching sporting events such as basketball, tennis and college football. He loves to play tennis and basketball at his leisure time as well. Dr. Chen is married and is expecting his first child in September.

Thanks Dr. Chen!