Especially at certain times of the year, which usually coincide with bad weather, it is common for people to contract respiratory ailments that we normally refer to, generically, with the name of flu, cold or cold. They are often caused by viruses and these are highly transmissible. That is why it is not surprising that if you see your dog with a runny nose or coughing, you think that you could have infected it.
To clarify doubts, in this article on our site we are going to talk about the flu in dogs We will show you the main symptoms and treatment to follow, which will have to go through the consultation of the veterinarian. Although it is a minor condition, it can become dangerous in some dogs or if we do not offer timely care.
What is dog flu?
We talk about canine flu, in general, when, in reality, we refer to different diseases that attack the respiratory system of the dog and They are caused by different viruses and bacteria or a combination of both. The presence of the canine parainfluenza virus, various adenoviruses, herpesvirus and the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacterium stands out. The parainfluenza virus and Bordetella are more frequently involved in a well-known disease: the misnamed kennel cough.
We must bear in mind that there are other diseases, such as canine distemper, which will also present clinical signs, such as a runny nose, which can make us believe that our dog has the flu when it is not So. Allergies are another example and we can even find a chill behind a cold or flu. For this reason, professional diagnosis is necessary to determine the cause of our dog's symptoms.
In any case, it is important to point out that we cannot spread the flu to our dogs nor can they to us, with some exceptions. We refer to the fact that the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacterium is transmissible to humans, so it would be possible for the caretaker of a sick dog for this reason to become infected. In practice, it is very rare and only people with very weakened immune systems are exposed for various reasons.
Yes, kennel cough, as well as other pathogens involved in respiratory problems, are highly contagious between dogs, either through the air or by direct contact with infected animals or with objects that they have contaminated. In any case, its course is usually mild and the dog will recover easily after a visit to the vet, the treatment and the necessary care at home, as we will see. But keep in mind that in more delicate animals or more serious cases that are left untreated, it could evolve into pneumonia, which will require hospitalization and may even be fatal.
Causes of flu in dogs
As we have advanced, the causes of respiratory diseases that affect dogs are, mainly, viruses and bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica. As they are highly contagious pathogens among them, it is not necessary for our dog to come from a kennel or have spent a few days in, for example, a kennel. A simple interaction with another dog during the walk could end up with the flu if we are unlucky enough that the dog we meet suffers from the disease without even knowing it.
Thus, there are many dogs that will be in contact with pathogens, although not all of them will develop a clinical picture. The severity of the infection will depend a lot on the condition from which the dog starts. In other words, it will affect puppies, the elderly or immunosuppressed specimens or those with some ailment more. Contact with the dog is okay, but there is also airborne transmission and through contaminated objects
On the other hand, it is interesting to know that for many of these viruses and for Bordetella there are vaccines that we can administer to our dog according to the advice of the veterinarian. Vaccination greatly reduces the risk of the dog developing the disease, making it the best way to prevent it.
Flu symptoms in dogs
How do I know if my dog has the flu? Influenza in dogs usually presents with clinical signs such as the following, depending on the greater or lesser severity of the picture:
- Sneezing.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Loss of appetite.
- Tiredness and fatigue.
- Disinterest in games and physical activity.
- Fever (remember that a dog's normal temperature is between 37.8 and 39.2 ºC).
- Cough.
- Nose and eye secretions.
- Dehydration.
Dog Flu Diagnosis
If our dog is a he althy adult who suffers only the mildest symptoms of the flu and continues to lead a normal life, the usual thing is that it disappears in a few days, without us having to do anything more than wait and see that it doesn't get worse. But if it does not improve, it is getting worse or it is a case of the flu in puppies, adults with some other pathology or the elderly, the recommendation is go to the vet immediately. In the first place, it is this professional who can confirm whether or not we are dealing with canine flu.
At the clinic, the vet will check our dog's medical history, ask us for all the details of his current illness and perform a physical examination. The review, depending on the condition and characteristics of our dog, may include blood tests, X-rays and other tests that may offer relevant information for diagnosis and subsequent treatment. In addition, the professional will rule out other diseases, such as distemper.
Treatment for flu in dogs
At this point you may be wondering how to cure the flu in dogs if your dog has worrying symptoms or is an animal that is vulnerable due to age or condition. Depending on each case, the veterinarian will explain the measures that we must implement at home to help our dog breathe better and eat. The recommended measures for the house are as follows:
- Keep the dog hydrated by providing plenty of fresh water.
- Avoid staying near draughts, but ventilate the room.
- Provide blankets and a warm, dry, comfortable place to rest, away from noise.
- If necessary depending on the weather, use a humidifier.
- Caring for your diet: offering he althy food full of vitamins. If the dog refuses to eat, convince him with love. Better opt for wet food or your preference and give it warm to increase the aroma it gives off.
- Avoid contact with other dogs so as not to spread the disease.
- Clean the surfaces and objects you use.
- Let him rest and do only moderate exercise.
- Use a harness rather than a collar.
On the other hand, it is very likely that the vet will prescribe drugs to control symptoms and prevent opportunistic bacterial infections. Remember that in no case should you medicate your dog on your own. The consequences could be catastrophic. If you follow these tips and your vet's instructions, your dog will most likely make a smooth recovery. Hospitalization may only be required in the most severe cases.
Dog flu medications
Of course, it is the veterinarian who has to decide which drugs to prescribe based on each case and its severity. But what do you give a dog with the flu? In general, the following drugs are used:
- Antibiotics: we know that they are not useful for viruses, but they do help when there are bacterial infections or the condition can be complicated by opportunistic infections.
- Antitussives: for cases in which the dog coughs so much that its well-being is compromised
- Bronchodilators: to promote dilation of the respiratory ducts and improve the animal's breathing.
- Anti-inflammatories: they can be useful in some cases to contribute to a better general condition of the dog.
Finally we mention the vaccines against pathogens such as Bordetella or the parainfluenza virus. It is important to emphasize that vaccines are not medicines to cure the flu, but they can help prevent it. Ask your vet.
How long does the flu last in dogs?
Dogs with milder symptoms may take 1-2 weeks to fully recover. You just have to think that the treatments, for example those of antibiotics for the flu in dogs, should be given for a minimum of 7-10 days and always finish them, even if it seems to us that the dog is better before.
But the more severe or complex the case, the longer it will take to achieve full recovery, so we cannot speak of a standard flu duration that is the same for all affected dogs. We are even talking about 3-4 weeks or more in the most complicated situations.
Home remedies for the flu in dogs
If you are wondering about home remedies for the flu in dogs, first of all, consult the section that we have dedicated to the treatment of the disease. There you will find measures you can apply at home to promote your dog's recovery. Of course, they do not replace the diagnosis or treatment of the veterinarian. They are a complement.
In general, for a dog with the flu, it is essential to maintain hydration of both the animal and the environment, allowing it to rest andstrengthen your immune system , which we can achieve by offering you quality care and avoiding stress.
A trick we can follow is to take advantage of the steam from the shower. We will only have to put our dog with us in the bathroom during that time to help him improve his breathing. Finally, even if you have some natural remedy on hand, do not use it with your dog without first consulting your veterinarian.
