May 20/2026

                          

Can Dogs Get the Flu? Understanding Canine Influenza Symptoms & Treatment

By Michael Kearley, DVM. Reviewed by Teresa Manucy, DVM

9/12/2025

Canine influenza virus (CIV), commonly referred to as dog flu, is a highly contagious respiratory virus that affects dogs of all ages & breeds. Dog flu has been reported in most parts of the U.S. 

Summary

Yes. Fortunately, dog flu doesn’t commonly cause death in dogs. 

Dog flu is caused by 2 different types of influenza viruses: H3N2 & H3N8. Both strains originated in other species, including birds (H3N2) & horses (H3N8) before adapting to dogs. The flu virus can also affect cats.  

Symptoms

Because dog flu is a virus that affects the lungs, your dog will experience respiratory & flu-like symptoms. 

Symptoms of canine respiratory virus include: 

- A dry cough, which often persists for weeks 

- Fever (103 F & above) 

- Nasal & eye discharge 

- Sneezing 

- Decreased appetite 

- Lethargy or decreased energy 

In severe cases of dog flu, your dog may experience secondary bacterial infections, fever, & even pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. 

If your dog begins to experience flu-like symptoms, take them to the vet immediately. 

Causes

Dog flu is extremely contagious to other dogs. Studies have shown that the virus can travel up to 20 feet in dogs’ respiratory droplets when they sneeze or cough. 

This is the primary route of infection, but dogs can also become infected with dog flu through: 

- Contaminated food bowls 

- Contaminated water bowls 

- Shared toys 

- Leashes 

- Collars 

- Clothing 

- Indirect human contact (such as handling an infected dog & then touching/playing with other dogs) 

Dog flu can also survive in the environment for an extensive amount of time. 

Canine respiratory virus can survive on skin & hands for 12 hours, on clothing for 24 hours, & on surfaces for up to 48 hours. 

It takes 2 to 4 days after exposure to the virus before clinical signs develop. This is called the incubation period. 

Even though any dog can become infected with dog flu, dogs adopted from shelters or those who frequent crowded places like dog parks, doggy daycares, or kennels may be at increased risk. 

Diagnosis

Symptoms of dog flu will resemble many other types of respiratory infections. Because of this, it’s important that your dog be tested so they receive the right treatment. 

To diagnose dog flu, your vet will perform a PCR panel. 

A swab is obtained from your dog’s nose, conjunctiva (pink mucus membrane inside the eyelid), or pharynx (back of the throat where the esophagus & trachea/windpipe meet the mouth). 

Then, this sample is sent to a laboratory & analyzed for DNA containing the virus. 

Additional testing such as blood work & chest radiographs are often recommended to evaluate your dog’s general health & hydration status. 

This testing is also used to look for evidence of pneumonia, which must be treated aggressively.  

Call your veterinarian prior to arrival to let them know that your dog is experiencing flu-like symptoms. There are protocols & procedures that your vet must follow to prevent transmission to other dogs in the office. 

Treatment

Treatment of dog flu is largely supportive. 

Keeping your dog calm, rested, & hydrated is paramount to ensuring a speedy recovery. In the hospital, this may include IV fluids, cough suppressants, & nutritional support. 

For cases involving secondary bacterial infection, an antibiotic such as Clavamox or doxycycline, among others, is often prescribed. 

Infected dogs should be isolated from all other pets at the onset of symptoms & up to 3 to 4 weeks. 

Do not bring your dog to any of the following places while they recover: 

- Dog parks 

- Boarding facilities 

- Playgroups 

- The groomer   

- Daycare 

Because dog flu can be transmitted from clothing, pet parents should change clothes/shoes & disinfect with thorough handwashing before interacting with other pets. 

Recovery & Management

Fortunately, many pups recover from dog flu within a few weeks & have little to no lasting complications. However, your dog may have a cough that lasts during this period. 

Younger or older dogs—or dogs that are immunocompromised—may experience more severe symptoms such as pneumonia & may even pass away from the disease. 

To ensure the best outcome possible, it’s important to seek veterinary attention at the first sign that your dog is sick. 

Prevention

Fortunately, there’s a flu vaccine for dogs designed to protect against both strains of dog flu.  

Nobivac & Zoetis both manufacture the vaccine, which can be given to puppies as young as 7 or 8 weeks of age, with a booster 3 weeks later & yearly thereafter. 

Side effects are rare & include symptoms associated with hypersensitivity & allergic reactions, such as: 

- Vomiting 

- Diarrhea 

- Facial swelling 

- Hives 

- Severe anaphylactic reaction 

It’s important to ensure your dogs are up-to-date on their vaccines. Limit your dog’s time at doggy playgroups, boarding facilities, & similar spaces—especially if there are dogs around that are either unvaccinated or of unknown vaccination history. 

Proper hand & paw washing when leaving these places can help prevent illness. Consider using a dog paw cleaner like the Dexas Popware MudBuster Portable Dog Paw Cleaner. 

Ask your veterinarian if vaccinations for respiratory illnesses should be part of your dog’s preventative care plan. 

Keep in mind that vaccines may not always prevent infection but will make it less likely. If your dog is vaccinated & does get infected, symptoms are often milder, & the course of disease is shorter.  

Fortunately, the influenza virus is easily killed in the environment, typically with routine household cleaners like bleach & soapy water. 

Dog Flu FAQs

Can dogs get the flu from humans?

There’s no evidence that dogs can get the human flu. 

Is there an at-home treatment for dog flu?

Dogs with a mild case of the flu that are still eating, drinking, & acting normal otherwise can be treated at home without having to be hospitalized. 

Minor coughing can be helped with a humidifier or breathing in hot steam from the shower. Always reach out to your vet to determine the best course of treatment depending on your dog’s individual case. 

How long does the flu last in dogs?

Most dogs recover from the flu within 2 to 3 weeks. 

Pups that have more severe illness such as pneumonia may take longer to recover. Prompt medical treatment can help decrease the chance of severe flu-like symptoms in dogs. 

Cute Critter Pics:

Weekly Chuckle:

Slava Ukraine!