Canine Influenza Virus

July 02, 2009

By Jennifer Serda
Anchor

We have all heard of the H1N1 virus but what about the H3N8 virus? The H3N8 virus is not a human flu virus but a dog virus according to the Center for Disease Control.

It was not until 2004 cases of the dog flu or “canine influenza virus” was discovered. This respiratory virus was caused by the H3N8 virus; which was very common in horses.

Like the humane flu virus the canine influenza virus can spread from dog to dog and now considered a new dog-specific lineage of H3N8.

Thankfully the number of cases of the canine influenza virus is small according to the CDC. To spot the virus watch for these signs:

- cough
- runny nose
- fever

For more information on the dog flu visit the CDC website.

A few months ago my dog Mo got sick, thankfully it was not serious. I noticed he was not eating and did not want to play so after a few days of him acting this way I took him to the vet and sure enough he had a cold!

He had to take some medicine but in a few days he was back to his old self.

One thing I have always heard is that if your dog’s nose is cold and wet their healthy but that is not always the case.

Mo’s nose was just fine but watching him I knew he was not alright. According to PetPlace.com the nose is not always the best indicator of a dog’s health. They say owners need to watch their dog’s appetite, energy level, and overall comfort level to know for sure how their dog is doing.

To read more check out PetPlace.com. 

So be a good pet owner and keep a close eye on your furry little friend.