Dog Flu
From LoveToKnow Dogs
If you have a dog, by now you have heard of the dog flu. An erroneous amount of information is circling the globe concerning the dog flu. Some of the information is fact; some fiction. Here are some common questions and the answers to those questions.
What Is Dog Flu?
The dog flu is a highly contagious respiratory virus. It is a type A influenza virus called H3N8. Symptoms are similar to kennel cough, a common respiratory infection seen in dogs, and include a low grade fever, discharge from the nose and a dry, non-mucous producing cough. The average normal temperature for a dog is 101.5 degrees. Your dog may contract the flu virus but show no signs. There is currently no test to determine if a dog is infected with dog flu. This canine illness is believed to have originated in horses and crossed-over species to dogs. It is very rare for viruses to cross species in this manner.
Is It Treatable?
The dog flu is airborne transmitted and passed by coughing and contact with contaminated objects. Nearly 100% of dogs exposed to the flu will contract it, and 80% of these will be mild cases. Because it is contagious, if you suspect your dog may have the dog flu, contact your vet immediately.
Contracting the dog flu does not automatically mean your dog will die. Just like the human version, the mortality rate is low, from five to eight percent. Death usually occurs as a result of pneumonia triggered by the flu. Early treatment is important.
Is It Preventable?
Yes. If you board your dog for any reason, use a boarding kennel you know. Make sure that boarding kennel employees are aware of the dog flu and are able to recognize its signs and symptoms. Also check to see that the kennel owners require all dog to have current shots. Watch the news and read newspapers for information about flu breakouts in your area. If you hear about a local breakout, avoid dog parks, pet stores and other places where there are large gatherings of dogs. If your dog exhibits any symptoms, keep it inside and away from other dogs to avoid infecting them. When taking your dog to the vet, alert the veterinarian assistants you suspect the dog is contagious, so they can isolate your dog from others.
Can My Children Get Dog Flu?
No. No cases of human contraction of the dog flu have been reported.
Is a Vaccine Available?
Not yet. There is no vaccine, but researchers are working on a solution. The vaccine for kennel cough is not effective against the flu.
Comments
Hi Sarah,
I don't think it's safe to continue medicating at home. I recommend you schedule an appointment for your dog and have the vet examine her in person. Be sure to remind your vet that he/she said to give the Benedryl and the dosage that was recommended to you. I'm not sure that it's the medicine that's causing a problem, but since your dog now has a second symptom since the bite, it would be good to find out exactly what's going on.
Thanks for your question, and I hope your dog is back to normal soon.
-- Contributed by: KellyI have a 9 month golden retriver and she had a little "bite" on her nose well a few hours later her whole nose was covered in huge hives I called the vet and they said to give her 50mg of benadrill now 2 days later she is vomiting and now i am not sure if she eat something bad or it is the effects of the medicine???? but even if i could do something for her vomiting?
-- Contributed by: sarahHi C.J.,
I'm not a vet, so take my advice with a grain of salt. There's a possibility that the orange-yellow frothy liquid may be bile. When dogs throw up bile on a regular basis, it can be an indication of a liver problem. There's also a chance that the orange tint is caused by blood, but I can't be certain of this. The very best thing you can do is save a sample of the vomit in a zip-loc bag and take your dog to the vet. Explain exactly how often your dog has been vomiting, and allow your vet to take a blood sample for analysis. The level of liver enzymes should indicate if this is indeed the problem.
Thanks for your question, and I hope the vet is able to help.
-- Contributed by: KellyThis page has been accessed 17,161 times. This page was last modified 14:25, 21 July 2008.
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