Dog Flu Popping Up In Various States, Here’s What to Look For

There aren't any reported cases in Wyoming, but I say it's better to be safe than sorry.

It would appear that the flu shot isn't just for humans anymore. I took my sweet Oliver to the vet this past week for his wellness evaluation and to update his immunizations. The vet asked me if I wanted him to get the dog flu vaccination. I almost laughed, but she was serious. She said that there have been some cases across the country in Florida, Georgia, and Texas, but the decision was mine as to whether or not Oliver would receive it.

Needless to say I was taken aback.

I started doing some research on Canine Influenza Virus, or CIV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a lengthy "Key Facts" portion on their website dedicated to CIV which I found very helpful. Apparently there are two types. H3N8 started in horses before spreading to dogs, while H3N2 started in birds before adapting to spread to canines. The symptoms include high fever, loss of appetite, coughing, runny nose and low energy.

Sound familiar?

Not every dog will show symptoms, but an absence of clinical signs doesn't mean they are not contagious. CIV is mostly spread dog-to-dog. If you want to protect your dog, ask you vet about vaccines or avoid high traffic dog areas like dog parks, groomers, kennels and daycare.

Right now, it doesn't look like this virus can be spread to humans.