Puppies can also get the flu and show symptoms like a cough. The picture shows the veterinarian examining the puppy. (Shutterstock)
[The Epoch Times, February 09, 2023](Reported by Epoch Times reporter Chen Juncun) Human beings will suffer from colds or flu, and so will puppies, who are regarded as human beings’ best friends. So, what symptoms do puppies have when they have the flu? Which puppies are more likely to get the flu?
According to the “Huffington Post” report, the recent outbreak of canine influenza in the United States (canine influenza). Most puppies who contract the disease develop cold-like symptoms such as a cough, runny nose, and fatigue, and they usually recover within a few weeks. However, a very small number of puppies develop serious complications, which include high fever or pneumonia.
Although there is a vaccine for canine flu on the market, most veterinarians will not vaccinate puppies because it has historically not been a big problem. However, with the current number of cases, Rebecca Greenstein, a veterinarian and pet consultant in Ontario, Canada, advises people to take their puppies for vaccinations, especially if they will take the puppies in public places. Down.
What is canine flu?
Greenstein explained that canine flu is a very contagious respiratory infection, mainly transmitted by droplets expelled by puppies when they cough, bark and sneeze. It can also be contracted through contact, which involves puppies nudging each other.
Since canine influenza is considered an emerging infectious disease and few puppies are immune, most puppies are likely to be infected. Up to a quarter of puppies remain asymptomatic following infection, while the rest develop cold-like symptoms.
Puppies usually develop symptoms two to four days following contracting canine flu, Greenstein said. During this incubation period, infected puppies may appear normal but can infect other puppies.
She said most puppies had mild symptoms and only a small number developed pneumonia, which might include severe coughing, fatigue, nausea or difficulty breathing. Less than 10 percent of puppies die following infection.
Just like humans, young, elderly, pregnant and sickly puppies are at the highest risk for the most severe outcomes following infection.
While you may want to keep your puppy away from other puppies, Greenstein says you don’t have to social distance from your puppy because there’s no evidence that puppies can transmit canine flu to humans.
How to prevent and treat canine flu?
The strains of canine influenza currently circulating in the United States are H3N8 and H3N2. Edward Dubovi, a professor of veterinary medicine at Cornell University in the United States, pointed out that the disease was first imported into the United States from puppies imported from Asia, and the first large outbreak occurred in 2015 and 2016.
Du Bowei said that the canine flu vaccine is targeting two strains of the virus, H3N8 and H3N2. The vaccine won’t prevent infection, but it helps prevent hospitalization and death in puppies.
“You might see some mild respiratory symptoms in your puppy, but it shouldn’t be complicated by severe pneumonia, probably not so severe that you have to take it to the vet,” he said.
If your puppy has canine flu, your veterinarian may recommend that you give him plenty of rest and a liquid diet. If it has a fever, the veterinarian will prescribe anti-inflammatory medication for it.
Your puppy may also need antibiotics to prevent a second infection, says Greenstein. Severely ill puppies with pneumonia may require IV and oxygen therapy.
“If you’re not sure regarding your puppy, ask your family veterinarian, it’s better to be careful than sorry,” she said.
Responsible editor: Jasmine
