BAYSHORE VETERINARY CLINIC
3723 N.Oakland Ave
Shorewood, WI. 53211
Canine Influenza and Kennel Cough Information
What is Canine Influenza and what is Kennel Cough?
Both Canine Influenza and Kennel Cough are contagious upper respiratory infections in dogs. Canine Influenza is caused by one specific virus and Kennel Cough is a term used to describe multiple viruses or bacterial infections. Both may occur at higher rates in places that dogs frequent, including dog parks, dog daycares, kennels, and veterinary offices. They are both highly contagious and spread much the same way the human cold or flu spreads. It is important to remember that dogs can be contagious even if they are not showing any clinical signs of being sick which is one of the reasons these diseases can spread so quickly.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms can vary, but are typically characterized by either a dry or wet cough, nasal discharge, listlessness, and sometimes a fever.
What are the treatments?
Canine Influenza is a virus and many strains of Kennel Cough are also viruses. There is no “cure” for a virus. Treatment depends on the severity of the dog’s symptoms and whether the veterinarian considers it to be a virus or a bacterial infection. Your veterinarian may choose to let the virus run its course or may suspect that the symptoms are caused by a bacterial infection and may prescribe antibiotics. Many veterinarians do put dogs on antibiotics even when they suspect a virus is the cause to help protect against secondary infections including pneumonia. Additionally, cough tabs, nebulizer treatments, and fluids may be given depending on the dog’s symptoms.
How are they transmitted?
They are transmitted by coming into contact with an infected dog’s body secretions, whether it is through direct contact or indirect contact such as collars, leashes, water bowls, etc.
Are there vaccinations and will they prevent my dog from getting sick?
There are two separate vaccinations that may reduce the severity of the symptoms and the time your dog has symptoms, but they do not prevent your dog from getting sick. The Canine Influenza virus and vaccination are relatively new so there is still much to learn about them. Currently, recommendations are to give the Canine Influenza vaccination initially in two separate doses two weeks a apart (your dog will need a booster approximately two weeks after the first vaccination) and then annually going forward. The Kennel Cough vaccination is either given every 6 months or annually depending on your veterinarian’s recommendation.
What can I do to help prevent the spread of disease?
Keep in mind that Canine Influenza and Kennel Cough are much like the human flu or cold and spread much the same way. Call Bayshore Veterinary Clinic and keep your dog current on all recommended vaccinations. Keep your dog out of daycare and other social situations for at least 10 days if you have reason to believe your dog was exposed to either Canine Influenza or Kennel Cough. Most importantly, remember you know your dog the best so if you suspect your dog might be “a little under the weather” keep your dog out of social situations as your dog is likely to be contagious even if your dog is not coughing or showing other obvious clinical signs of being sick.
Please alert Bayshore Veterinary Clinic if your dog shows any symptoms or if you suspect your dog is sick.