Canine Influenza (H3N8)
Recent news coverage on the H3N8 (Canine Influenza) virus has lead to client inquiries about this virus, its symptoms and whether it is a threat to the general canine population. Please refer to the following information to help answer any questions you may have regarding this virus.
Questions and Answers
Q: What is H3N8 and is it contagious to humans?
A: Canine influenza is a virus that causes a clinical syndrome that mimics the Bordetella bronchiseptica/parainfluenza virus complex, also known as “kennel cough.” Because canine influenza is a newly emerging pathogen, all dogs, regardless of breed or age, are susceptible to infection and have no naturally acquired or vaccine-induced immunity. Canine influenza has not been found to affect humans or cats, but can be carried by them.
Q: What are the symptoms if my dog becomes infected?
A: Symptoms of infection in dogs can include: coughs lasting 10 to 30 days, despite therapy with antibiotics and cough suppressants, sneezing, nasal discharge and/or some eye discharge. Pneumonia can develop in some cases, and can present high fever, respiratory distress and can lead to death.
Q: How can my dog become infected with H3N8?
A: Exposure and transmission among dogs is highest in communal environments, such as kennels, doggie daycare, dog parks, grooming salons and other public settings.
Q: Is H3N8 virus common?
A: Currently there are only five states where canine influenza is prevalent in dogs - Colo., Fla., Penn., N.Y. and N.J. The virus was first reported in Florida in 2003, and while the number of endemic areas remains small, the virus has been confirmed in cases in as many as 30 states across the country.
Q: Is there a vaccine for H3N8?
A: The canine influenza vaccine is currently available in Banfield Pet hospitals in the endemic areas (Colo., Fla., Penn., N.Y. and N.J.) and will be available in other areas in mid-November. The Canine Influenza Vaccine is the first to be developed to decrease the clinical signs of canine influenza and protect the lungs from long-term damage due to secondary infections and inflammation. This vaccine is safe to use in puppies six weeks and older. All patients who receive this vaccine for the first time will need to have a booster given within 2-4 weeks. After receiving the initial series, this vaccine should be given on an annual basis.
Q: How can I protect my dog from H3N8?
A: The best way to prevent your dog from getting this virus is to keep him or her away from dogs that have a respiratory infection. As with kennel cough, this virus is more common in shelters, boarding facilities, doggie daycare, dog parks and other areas that dogs frequent and gather. Be sure that your Pet’s “home away from home” has high standards for cleanliness and that kennels and dishes are frequently cleaned with disinfectants.
Q: What should I do if my dog has symptoms of the virus?
A: Anytime you have a concern about the health of your Pet, or if your Pet is exhibiting abnormal behavior or symptoms, we recommend you bring him/her to your nearest Banfield Pet hospital for an exam. If your Pet is enrolled on a Wellness Plan, the office call will be free of charge.
If you have any concerns that your dog may be ill, please contact your Banfield veterinarian.
Questions and Answers
Q: What is H3N8 and is it contagious to humans?
A: Canine influenza is a virus that causes a clinical syndrome that mimics the Bordetella bronchiseptica/parainfluenza virus complex, also known as “kennel cough.” Because canine influenza is a newly emerging pathogen, all dogs, regardless of breed or age, are susceptible to infection and have no naturally acquired or vaccine-induced immunity. Canine influenza has not been found to affect humans or cats, but can be carried by them.
Q: What are the symptoms if my dog becomes infected?
A: Symptoms of infection in dogs can include: coughs lasting 10 to 30 days, despite therapy with antibiotics and cough suppressants, sneezing, nasal discharge and/or some eye discharge. Pneumonia can develop in some cases, and can present high fever, respiratory distress and can lead to death.
Q: How can my dog become infected with H3N8?
A: Exposure and transmission among dogs is highest in communal environments, such as kennels, doggie daycare, dog parks, grooming salons and other public settings.
Q: Is H3N8 virus common?
A: Currently there are only five states where canine influenza is prevalent in dogs - Colo., Fla., Penn., N.Y. and N.J. The virus was first reported in Florida in 2003, and while the number of endemic areas remains small, the virus has been confirmed in cases in as many as 30 states across the country.
Q: Is there a vaccine for H3N8?
A: The canine influenza vaccine is currently available in Banfield Pet hospitals in the endemic areas (Colo., Fla., Penn., N.Y. and N.J.) and will be available in other areas in mid-November. The Canine Influenza Vaccine is the first to be developed to decrease the clinical signs of canine influenza and protect the lungs from long-term damage due to secondary infections and inflammation. This vaccine is safe to use in puppies six weeks and older. All patients who receive this vaccine for the first time will need to have a booster given within 2-4 weeks. After receiving the initial series, this vaccine should be given on an annual basis.
Q: How can I protect my dog from H3N8?
A: The best way to prevent your dog from getting this virus is to keep him or her away from dogs that have a respiratory infection. As with kennel cough, this virus is more common in shelters, boarding facilities, doggie daycare, dog parks and other areas that dogs frequent and gather. Be sure that your Pet’s “home away from home” has high standards for cleanliness and that kennels and dishes are frequently cleaned with disinfectants.
Q: What should I do if my dog has symptoms of the virus?
A: Anytime you have a concern about the health of your Pet, or if your Pet is exhibiting abnormal behavior or symptoms, we recommend you bring him/her to your nearest Banfield Pet hospital for an exam. If your Pet is enrolled on a Wellness Plan, the office call will be free of charge.
If you have any concerns that your dog may be ill, please contact your Banfield veterinarian.
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