Canine Influenza: Prevention, Symptoms, and Treatment

Your dog relies on you to monitor and maintain his health through regular visits to a veterinarian near you in Campbell. If you don’t maintain your dog’s vaccinations at his veterinary hospital, your dog is at risk for certain illnesses and diseases, such as canine influenza. Here is a look at the symptoms and treatment of canine influenza, and how dog vaccinations can help you prevent your dog from getting the infection.

Preventing Canine Influenza

The best way to protect your dog from contracting canine influenza is by visiting a veterinarian near you for a dog vaccination. The canine influenza vaccination has been in use since 2010 and is a safe, effective way to prevent infection. Canine influenza is a respiratory infection that is caused by a virus. The infection is highly contagious and is spread and transmitted via the air and contaminated surfaces, including skin and clothing. If your dog regularly comes into contact with other dogs at a dog park, doggy daycare, boarder, pet sitter’s home, groomer, or veterinary hospital, you should ask your veterinarian about the canine influenza dog vaccination.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Canine Influenza

The symptoms of canine influenza are similar to those of a kennel cough, parainfluenza, adenovirus, and the canine herpes virus. The primary symptoms include a dry, persistent cough; a runny nose, nasal discharge, and sneezing; low-grade fever; lethargy or fatigue; and decreased appetite. A cough may continue for several weeks, and if the illness progresses, more serious complications may occur. These complications may include a high fever, pneumonia, and a secondary bacterial infection.

Treating Canine Influenza

If your dog exhibits any signs of canine influenza, you should bring him to the closest vet hospital as soon as possible. Your veterinarian will do laboratory tests to confirm canine influenza and may prescribe antibiotics, or more intensive veterinary treatment. When you bring your dog home from the animal clinic, you should give him a quiet, comfortable place to rest. He will need to remain indoors to prevent spreading the virus to other animals.