Q&A about Canine Influenza in Chicago with Dr. Natalie Marks

2. How is the influenza spread from one dog to another?
Canine influenza can spread among social dogs in urban areas and places such as, doggie daycares, boarding facilities, dog parks, sporting and show events and any location where dogs comingle. Canine influenza can be transmitted from one dog to another through virus particles in the air via a cough or sneeze or through objects, such as food bowls and toys, that were touched by infected dogs.

3. As a petsitter, how likely is it we are spreading it from one household to another?
For petsitters, it is very easy to spread the dog flu from one household to another. As I had mentioned before, dogs can transmit the virus to one another through objects such as food bowls and toys. If a dog you were watching drank from a communal water bowl or played with the same toys as an infected dog, they would likely contract the dog flu. Humans can also transmit the virus between dogs through toys, shoes or doorknobs that an infected dog has had contact with.

4. What type of precautions should we take?
The best precaution to take is effective prevention. Fortunately, vaccines are available through U.S. veterinarians to protect your dogs. It’s important for dog owners to speak to their veterinarian about whether the dog flu vaccine should be added to their dog’s vaccination protocol. There’s also a website, www.doginfluenza.com, which offers great resources for pet owners on protecting their dog against the dog flu.

5. Can animals other than dogs get sick too?
Dogs are the primary species affected by canine influenza virus H3N2, but we know now cats can also contract this disease caused by this strain. 
​
6. Is it true that it’s only life threatening for puppies and senior dogs?
Canine influenza affects almost all dogs, regardless of age, because it is an emerging disease that dogs have no prior exposure to.

7. What should a dog owner do if they think their dog has the influenza?
Commons signs that pet owners should look out for include coughing, fever, sneezing, nasal or ocular discharge and lethargy. Owners who notice these signs in their dogs or suspect their dog may have canine influenza should seek care from their veterinarian right away and avoid letting their dog come in contact with other dogs. Make sure to alert your veterinary clinic so they can take precautions before you come in with a sick dog. This can help stop the spread of dogflu.  

8. Does most dog insurances cover influenza?
Every pet insurance company is different in coverage based on the plan chosen for the patient and deductible.

9. What should I do if I have 2 dogs and one gets sick?
Unfortunately, canine influenza is extremely infectious, which means nearly 100 percent of affected dogs will show some signs of illness.  Therefore, if one dog in a household becomes ill with canine influenza, it is almost certain that the housemate is already exposed and will potentially develop the
same signs. It is important to monitor closely for coughing, lethargy, nasal discharge, lack of appetite and/or vomiting and use supportive care as needed. Both affected dogs should be kept isolated from communal dog areas for at least 3 weeks after onset of clinical signs due to the potential for extended shedding of the virus. Of course both dogs should receive veterinary care.

10. What does it cost on average for the pet owner if their dog gets sick? with insurance/ without?
It’s hard to definitely state the cost of treating flu cases because the severity of cases vary. While some dogs have very mild signs similar to a bad cold and can be treated outpatient with cough suppressants and/or antibiotics if needed, other dogs develop hemorrhagic pneumonia and require intensive hospitalization for days, oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids and other aggressive support. These costs also vary by region, but can range between $100 to $2500.