Canine Flu Canine influenza is a respiratory disease caused by a type A influenza virus. It is spread by aerosolized respiratory secretions and by contaminated objects (bedding, food and water bowls) and people moving between infected and uninfected populations. The time from exposure to showing signs of illness is 2-4 days and the virus is shed for 4-7 days after clinical signs first appear. Because this is a relatively new pathogen, virtually all dogs that are exposed become infected since they have no natural or vaccine-induced immunity. Nearly 20% of infected dogs show NO clinical signs, but they still shed the virus and can spread the infection. The clinical presentation of canine influenza varies considerably. There are those previously mentioned that show no signs of illness at all. Most (roughly 60%) will have an upper respiratory illness that may mimic kennel cough. The cough tends to be a bit more moist, however, and it persists for 10-30 days despite treatment with antibiotics and cough suppressants. There may be low-grade fever and nasal discharge. The remaining 20% of infected dogs develop more severe signs including high fever (104-106 F) and increased respiratory rate and effort. Pneumonia, precipitated or complicated by secondary bacterial infection, can be a life threatening result of influenza infection. Treatment is supportive and includes maintaining good nutrition, using antibiotics to control secondary infections and intravenous fluids to maintain hydration in more severely affected cases. Some dogs recover with little or no intervention while others require intensive care for several days. There is currently no vaccine for canine influenza, so routine precautions are essential to preventing spread of the infection. The virus is easily killed by a number of disinfectants, including dilute bleach, so careful cleaning of the environment should eliminate the virus. Isolation of infected dogs and careful sanitation are the only tools we currently have to prevent spread of the infection