Canine Influenza in Household Pets and Humans.

9 months ago

Canine influenza is also known as dog flu, It is a strongly contagious respiratory disease that affects dogs, it is particularly caused by a certain Type A influenza virus, called ''canine influenza virus'' widely known for dog infection. There are two different influenza A dog flu virus; we have the H3N8 virus and the H3N2 virus, Canine Influenza A (H3N2) virus are different from seasonal influenza A (H3N2) viruses that annually spreads in people.

Generally, it is believed that the canine influenza virus poses a very low threat to humans, and asides from the belief, there is still no major evidence to confirm the spread of the canine influenza virus from dogs to humans, there has also not been any reported case of human infection with canine influenza virus.

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Regardless, there remains a constant change with influenza viruses, and there is a strong possibility that canine influenza virus would change and begin to infect people, There is also a strong possibility of having it spread between humans at a fast rate by then (we never can tell).

In the case of dogs, we may not need to worry so much about the presence of dog flu as most cases are often not fatal, it is however very important that adequate preparation be made by pet owners, as the virus could make your pet highly uncomfortable and sick creating a lot of stress and discomfort for both parties.

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The H3N8 strain originated from horses, the virus was documented to have jumped from horses to dogs directly, therefore making it a canine influenza virus in the year 2004. The H3N2 on the other hand, came from Asia, and scientists believe this strain of the virus to have directly jumped from birds to dogs, it is this virus that was responsible for the canine influenza outbreaks that happened in 2015 and 2016 in the Midwest and it spread continuously through the United States.

Dog flu influenza is an airborne virus, just like we have in humans, Respiratory secretions escape into the environment in the form of cough, barking, and sneezing, at the spot where they can be inhaled by a new canine host. Aside from this, the dog flu also spreads through contaminated environments and objects such as; kennel surfaces, collars, water bowls, or through contact with those who had previously had contact with an infected dog.

If your dog is suffering from dog flu, the symptoms to watch out for include; Labored breathing, fever, sneezing, lethargy, cough, fever, reduced appetite, and a green or yellow discharge coming out of the nose and the eyes. Other conditions have the resemblance of dog flu, and viral infections like; canine distemper, kennel cough, canine cornovirus, and adenovirus type 2. At a point of suspicion of respiratory infection, it is advisable to visit a vet as soon as possible.

There is currently no cure for dog flu, but through the instruction of the vet, it is possible to get instructions on how to keep your dog very comfortable. Based on the symptoms of your pet, suggestions like;

Getting extra rest.
Nutritional support when your pet doesn't feed appropriately.
Antibiotics if there is a case of secondary bacterial infections.
Extra fluids to help with the maintenance of hydration.

Usually, within 2-3 weeks, the affected dog will begin to feel better, but be sure to watch over the dog, as there are times when the dog could get a bacterial infection from dog flu. There will also be a given instruction on dog's quarantine during the phase of recovery, this is important to limit the spread of infection to other pets, There will also be provided information on how to disinfect your home to destroy existing viruses.

Vaccines are now available for both H3N8 and H3N2 strains of canine influenza. The canine influenza virus can persist in the environment for about two days, and it can remain on clothes for about 24 hours. Vets and animal lovers are advised to constantly practice high-class hygiene to prevent the spread of the virus.