5 Simple Ways to Save Your Dog from Canine Influenza

Canine influenza or canine flu is a respiratory infection which is caused by H3N8 canine influenza virus. Dogs have no natural immunity to the condition, and they can easily fall ill if they are exposed to environments where the virus may be present. Before we proceed to the simple ways that can help in preventing canine influenza in your dog, here are the symptoms which are shown by a flu affected dog:

• Loss of appetite
• Cough
• Lethargy
• Fever
• Respiratory infection
• Runny Nose

These simple measures can keep your dog safe from canine flu:

1.Wash your hands and change your clothes after touching other dogs:

You can transfer influenza virus to your pup if you haven’t washed your hands after touching another dog which was infected with the virus. Make sure that you wash your hand properly if you have come in contact with canine flu infected dog.

Canine influenza virus can also survive up to 24 hours even on fabric, so it is advised to change your clothes if you have came in contact with other dog. Virus on your clothes may be transmitted to your pup when you hug him next time.

2.Keep your dog away from other dogs:

The best way to ensure that your dog is not affected from canine influenza is to keep them away from other dogs. Keep them out of puppy playgrounds, dog parks and dog beaches. As the disease can spread quickly just by sniffing noses; complete isolation of your dog is very important.  If you suspect that your dog has caught the flu due to any reason, keep your dog isolated from other dogs so that the disease is not spread to other dogs.

3.Make hard surfaces germ-free:

Canine flu virus can remain for up to 48 hours on a hard surface. Don’t allow your dog to come in contact with such hard toys or other objects if a canine flue infected dog has already interacted with that object. Disinfect it thoroughly before your dog comes in contact with it.

4.Vaccinate your dog against the flu:

Vaccination against canine flu is given in two doses on an interval of 2-4 weeks. The vaccination will save your dog from being infected from the virus.

5.Use gloves when handling affected dogs:

Always wear gloves if you are around infected dogs. You may be inadvertently carrying the virus if you don’t take precautions such as gloves while handling dogs. Virus will be present at your hands if you handle infected dogs with bare hands.