FAQs: How to Keep Your Pet Safe Against Dog Flu

Winter colds are not fun! It feels even worse when our innocent pups come down with sniffles too. HICC PET™ covers frequently asked questions about dog flu and ways to treat and prevent your puppies from getting sick this winter. Browse our online site for pet wellness products that fight flu-causing bacteria, allergies, and skin irritations. 

Dog Flu, also known, Canine Influenza, is a contagious respiratory virus affecting dogs of any type or age. It comes from two strains of the influenza virus (H3N8 and H3N2) commonly found in domestic or household dogs. The scariest thing about dog flu is how fast it spreads and how much it may affect our pets. Luckily, there are many at-home and veterinary treatment options to calm symptoms before they get worse. 

Dog flu symptoms range from: 

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Runny nose
• Fever
• Lethargy 
• No appetite 

These symptoms vary from mild to severe. Some dogs show no signs of illness, while others show symptoms within 2-4 days. A proper diagnosis from a vet is a guaranteed way to tell if your dog is sick. Learn more about pet cleansing methods to reduce the chance of your pup getting sick. 

Dog flu is highly contagious. It spreads through close contact with other dogs, from coughing, sneezing, or infected areas. Dogs that live in kennels or adoption shelters are most at risk. No dog is immune to the flu. It’s essential to check your dog regularly, whether it’s a rescue dog or during the winter months. 

Studies show that dog flu is more than a seasonal illness. Although dog flu is expected during the winter and spring, outbreaks happen all year round. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been reports of the influenza strain H3N2 being transferred from dogs to cats. With this in mind, your cat could rarely contract the virus. For optimal safety, keep all infected animals apart from each other in your home. If your dog or cat spends time outside, keep up with their hygiene. Use pet cleansing wipes to remove dirt in the paws or coat-carrying bacteria. 

There is no evidence that dog flu can spread to humans. It is rare but likely that other animals can get infected. It is best to keep different animal species separate from each other if one has an illness. Thoroughly wash your hands before and after touching infected pets to prevent spreading to other animals. 

There is no official cure for dog flu. Veterinarians recommend supportive treatment like fluids or fever-reducing/pain-relieving medications to help speed up recovery. Vaccines are possible for preventive treatment. 

Dog flu is treated with supportive care. This includes rest, fluids, and medications to reduce fevers or coughs. Antibiotics are available if a bacterial infection is also present. Keep your dog as comfortable as possible and allow plenty of bed rest. Hydration is key to calming flu symptoms. Keep your dog’s bowl filled with water, and follow the instructions on any medication bottles from your veterinarian. Keep reading to learn more about home remedies for dog flu. 

Although there is no direct cure for dog flu, you can try a few home methods while your pooch recovers. Some common home remedies for dog flu include: 

• Keep your dog hydrated with plenty of fresh water. 
• Provide high-quality dog food to help boost their immune system.
• Separate your dog from other household pets.
• Wipe your dog’s face with pet glove wipes for sensitive skin. 
• Allow them to move around, exercise, and supply light outdoor sun exposure. 
• Provide supportive treatments like coconut oil and immune-boosting dog probiotics. 
• Vaccinate your dog annually for dog flu.
• Speak to your vet for more safe-recovery-at-home methods. 

Yes, dog flu is life-threatening without the proper treatment. Some dogs experience no flu symptoms, while others range from mild to severe. Monitor your dog and schedule vet visits to diagnose any possible secondary illness. Secondary illnesses like bacterial infections lead to worse symptoms when paired with dog flu, which might be fatal. 

Dog flu can last for two to three weeks, depending on the initial infection’s severity. Contact your vet for any signs of a secondary infection or if the flu symptoms worsen. 

Based on scientific research, there is a Canine Flu Bivalent Vaccine effective against both strains of dog flu. Speak to your vet about whether the flu vaccine suits your dog. 

The vaccine cost will vary based on your pet’s insurance policy and other dependent factors. Out-of-pocket costs for dog flu will range between $15-$50 depending on the vaccine type, location, and if additional treatment is necessary.

No. Dog flu and kennel cough are two different illnesses. Dog flu is caused by the influenza virus, while kennel cough is caused by a mix of bacterial infections. Kennel cough is less severe than dog flu and easier to treat. Dog flu is an incurable virus that disappears with proper recovery treatment.  

1. Get your dog vaccinated as soon as possible against dog flu. 
2. Keep your dog isolated from other animals who might be carrying the virus.
3. Regularly groom your pet to keep their coat clean and healthy. 
4. Take your dog to the vet regularly for health check-ups. 

Our beloved pets mean the world to us. At HICC PET™, we create products that fight against bacteria that may harm cats and dogs. Not only do we care about the health and well-being of our pets, but we also care about the products that touch their skin. Your pet will benefit from natural, ethically-sourced ingredients for simple and effective pet grooming. We offer dental cleaning products to stop tooth plaque, deodorizing pet wipes to fight smelly odors and disinfecting pet wipes to eliminate harmful bacteria. 

Visit HICC PET™ online for our newest pet wellness and health products today!