Canine Influenza in Dogs The virus that causes dog flu,
Influenza Type A (H3N8), was first identified in Florida in
2004. It primarily infects the respiratory system and is
extremely contagious. A vaccine was granted full license by the
United States Department of Agriculture in 2009 (Nobivac® Canine
Flu H3N8). Some dogs can be exposed to the virus and fight off
infection without showing clinical signs. Symptoms and Types
Dogs that are infected with the canine influenza virus may
develop two different syndromes: - Mild – These dogs will have a
cough that is typically moist and can have nasal discharge.
Occasionally, it will be more of a dry cough. In most cases, the
symptoms will last 10 to 30 days and usually will go away on its
own. - Severe – Generally, these dogs have a high fever (above
104 degrees Fahrenheit) and develop signs very quickly.
Pneumonia, specifically hemorrhagic pneumonia, can develop. The
influenza virus affects the capillaries in the lungs, so the dog
may cough up blood and have trouble