Can Dogs Get the Flu? Signs, Risks & Care Tips

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can dogs get the flu

What is canine influenza (dog flu)?

Canine influenza is a contagious respiratory disease in dogs caused by specific strains of influenza A viruses. Unlike kennel cough—which involves pathogens like Bordetella bronchiseptica or parainfluenza—canine influenza is its own viral illness. The American Veterinary Medical Association lays out that it’s different from typical human flu, though symptoms may look familiar. source

What virus strains cause dog flu (such as H3N2 and H3N8)?

There are two main strains that veterinarians watch: H3N8 and H3N2. The H3N8 strain originally jumped from horses to dogs, and over time adapted to spread among dogs. The H3N2 strain, on the other hand, is believed to have originated in birds and later made the jump to dogs; it’s been found in Asia first and later in parts of North America.

Because H3N8 seems less active today, many canine influenza concerns focus on H3N2. source, source, source

Can dogs catch the human flu, or can humans catch the dog flu?

can dogs get the flu from humans

As of now, there is no evidence that human influenza viruses infect dogs, or that the canine influenza strains (H3N8 or H3N2) infect people. That said, influenza viruses can mutate, so scientists monitor them closely. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says these canine-specific viruses pose “a low threat to people.” source, source

How common is canine influenza, and where does it occur most often?

Dog flu tends to show up sporadically—outbreaks flare in certain regions, especially where dogs congregate (shelters, kennels, dog parks). The AVMA notes that vaccines for both H3N8 and H3N2 are available, implying both still hold relevance. According to Dr. Graham Bilbrough of SoundVet, about 80% of exposed dogs will show signs of disease; the remaining may carry the virus silently and still spread it.

In many places, canine influenza is not continuously present, but when it arrives, it demands attention. In recent years, outbreaks have been reported across several U.S. states. source, source, source

2. Symptoms and Early Detection

What are the typical symptoms of dog flu (mild and severe)?

Just like with humans, dog flu can be mild or severe. Common signs include:

Coughing (can be dry or moist) source
Sneezing source
Nasal discharge (clear to thick, yellow/green in secondary infections) source
Eye discharge or “gooey eyes” source
Fever source
Lethargy, reduced appetite source
Difficulty breathing, more rapid breathing source

In severe cases, dogs may develop pneumonia, increased respiratory distress, high fever, or secondary bacterial infections. source

How soon after exposure do symptoms appear (incubation period)?

The incubation period—the time from exposure until you see signs—typically ranges from 2 to 4 days. Some sources also extend it to 5 days in certain settings. source, source

Can dogs be contagious before showing any symptoms?

Yes, and that’s part of what makes the disease tricky to control. Dogs can shed (spread) the virus before symptoms appear—generally during the incubation period. Some dogs never show symptoms (subclinical infections) but still carry and spread the virus. source

3. Transmission and Risk Factors

How is canine influenza transmitted between dogs?

The main mode of spread is respiratory droplets and aerosols—when a dog coughs, sneezes, barks, or even exhales heavily. Close contact helps the virus move from dog to dog. source, source

Can the virus spread through contaminated surfaces, people’s hands, or clothing?

Yes. The virus can linger in the environment:

On surfaces (counters, bowls, floors) for up to 48 hours source
On clothing, up to 24 hours source
On hands, possibly 12 hours source

So when you pet one dog, touch a bowl, then touch your own dog—or move between spaces—there is some risk of transferring the virus. source

Which environments pose the highest risk — such as kennels, shelters, dog parks, or grooming facilities?

Because canine influenza thrives where dogs mix, here are the top high-risk settings:

Kennels, boarding facilities, and dog daycares — close quarters, shared air space, many dogs passing through.
Animal shelters and rescue centers — often high turnover and stress.
Dog parks and group walks — loose contact and shared spaces.
Grooming salons, training classes, dog shows — dogs from many places mixing, shared equipment, tight spaces.
Camps, pet events, dog sports — any gathering of many dogs.

When outbreaks arise, veterinarians and shelters often issue warnings about reducing group interactions and limiting dog traffic in these settings. source

4. Diagnosis and Veterinary Evaluation

How do veterinarians diagnose canine influenza?

Diagnosing canine influenza usually involves a few steps:

Clinical examination — the vet checks for fever, coughing, breathing issues, and other signs.
PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing — using nasal or throat swabs to detect viral genetic material, especially effective early in the illness (within the first few days). source
Serologic (antibody) testing — checking blood samples to see if antibody levels rise over time (you may need multiple samples). source
Radiographs (X-rays) — if pneumonia or other lung involvement is suspected.
Other respiratory panels — tests that look for a mix of pathogens (viruses, bacteria) common in canine respiratory disease. source

Sometimes false negatives happen (especially if testing is delayed), so vets combine lab results with clinical signs. source

When should I take my dog to the vet if I suspect the flu?

You should contact your vet as soon as possible if your dog shows respiratory signs (coughing, sneezing, discharge, lethargy, fever). Particularly if signs worsen (breathing problems, high fever, loss of appetite).

Also, call ahead—tell your clinic you suspect infectious respiratory disease. That way, they can prepare (e.g., isolate your dog) to reduce risk to other patients. source

What complications can develop from dog flu, such as pneumonia or secondary infections?

Here’s where things can get serious:

Pneumonia (viral or secondary bacterial)
Severe breathing distress
High fever
Dehydration
Secondary infections from bacteria like Pasteurella or Mycoplasma species source
In rare cases, death (less than 10% of infected dogs) source

Dogs already weakened by age, chronic disease (heart, lung, immune), or stress are more vulnerable to these complications. source

5. Treatment and Recovery

Is there a specific treatment or antiviral medication for dog flu?

Unfortunately, there’s no silver bullet. Treatment is supportive, meaning it aims to help the dog’s body fight the virus and address complications:

Rest, limited activity
Fluids (oral or, if needed, IV) to prevent dehydration source
Cough suppressants or medications to ease airway irritation (if vet deems safe)
Antibiotics (when a secondary bacterial infection is suspected) source
Oxygen therapy in more severe cases, possibly hospitalization or referral to specialty care
Supportive nursing care (warm, comfortable bed; nutrition; monitoring)

Antivirals used in humans are generally not proven safe or effective in dogs. source

How can I care for my dog at home during recovery?

Here’s a checklist:

Give plenty of rest
Keep them hydrated
Offer easily digestible, appetizing food
Use a humidifier or steam (if recommended) to ease breathing
Monitor their temperature and signs of worsening
Follow all vet instructions (meds, isolation, revisit if worse)

Don’t force them to eat—offer small, frequent meals or appetite stimulants only under vet guidance.

How long does recovery usually take, and when is it safe to interact with other dogs again?

Most dogs recover in 2 to 3 weeks. source Mild cases may bounce back faster; severe cases may take longer.

As for interacting with others: only when your vet confirms it’s safe. Typically, isolation should continue while your dog is contagious—even if symptoms have improved. source

How long can an infected dog shed the virus and remain contagious?

Dogs may shed virus—and be contagious—for up to 21 days or more after clinical onset, especially with H3N2. source Some research indicates the peak shedding is early (within first few days) and then it tapers. source Also, subclinical dogs (no symptoms) may shed the virus unnoticed. source

6. Prevention and Vaccination

Is there a vaccine for canine influenza, and who should get it?

Yes — vaccines exist, including bivalent vaccines that cover both H3N8 and H3N2. source

The AVMA notes that these vaccines are conditionally approved and recommended for dogs at higher risk. source

Dogs most likely to benefit include those who:

Attend dog daycares, boarding, grooming
Go to dog shows, training classes
Are around many other dogs (parks, social settings)
Travel or are exposed to areas with known outbreaks
Already have respiratory risks

For less social, indoor-only dogs, the vaccine might not be essential—but it’s worth discussing with a veterinarian. source

How effective is the vaccine, and what’s the recommended schedule?

The vaccine doesn’t guarantee full protection—dogs might still get infected—but generally reduce severity, shorten illness duration, and reduce viral shedding. source

A typical schedule is:

First dose
Booster ~2–4 weeks later
Annual revaccination thereafter
A dog is not fully protected until about 14 days after the second dose source

Recently, in 2025, Elanco got USDA approval for a new bivalent canine flu vaccine (TruCan Ultra CIV) that protects against both H3N8 and H3N2. It’s designed to reduce viral shedding and protect lung health. source

What preventive steps can reduce the risk of infection (good hygiene, avoiding high-risk areas, isolation)?

Some practical steps:

Avoid high-traffic dog areas when outbreaks are around (dog parks, shows) source
Wash your hands, arms, and change clothes if you’ve touched other dogs
Clean and disinfect surfaces, bowls, toys, bedding (see next section)
Quarantine any dog showing respiratory signs
Monitor local outbreak reports via veterinary clinics or public health announcements
Ask boarding/daycare facilities whether they require or recommend dog flu vaccination

7. Managing Flu at Home

What should I do if one of my dogs gets the flu — how can I protect my other pets?

If one dog is sick:

Isolate the sick dog in a separate room, away from other pets
Limit shared space, airflow, and contact
Wear gloves and clothes you can change after handling
Monitor your other pets closely for any signs
Check with your vet whether to vaccinate or preemptively isolate others

Even healthy-looking dogs may be shedding, so caution is key. source

Should I disinfect surfaces, toys, bowls, and bedding? What cleaning methods are recommended?

Yes, disinfecting is essential. Some guidelines:

Use common disinfectants (quaternary ammonium compounds, bleach diluted about 1:30, phenols, aldehydes) — these are effective against the virus. source
Wash bedding, towels, toys in hot, soapy water or sanitizing solution
Clean bowls, leashes, collars frequently
Disinfect floors, counters, doorknobs in dog areas
Let surfaces dry thoroughly before reuse

Also, wash your hands thoroughly after interacting with the sick dog and before touching others. source

8. Human Health and Public Concerns

Is canine influenza a threat to human health?

At present, no documented cases exist of humans catching canine flu (either H3N8 or H3N2). source

The CDC describes the risk to people as “low.” CDC But because viruses can evolve, caution is warranted—especially for immunocompromised individuals.

It’s always wise to avoid close contact with a sick dog, practice good hygiene, and hold off on kissing or close contact during illness.

Are there any reporting or quarantine guidelines for outbreaks in boarding or daycare facilities?

Yes — in outbreak scenarios, veterinary authorities often coordinate with local health agencies or departments of agriculture. Facilities may be required to report cases, quarantine, or temporarily close to limit spread. source

Boarding or daycare facilities might require proof of vaccination or enforce stricter hygiene and isolation policies during a known outbreak. source

9. Practical Considerations

How might a flu outbreak affect access to grooming, training, or boarding services?

During outbreaks, many facilities may:

Temporarily pause operations
Limit intake of new dogs
Require proof of canine influenza vaccination
Enforce stricter disinfection and screening protocols
Ask pet owners to delay nonessential services

You might find services limited, postponed, or with added requirements. Always check ahead and ask about their health policies.

Do dogs with pre-existing health conditions face higher risks of severe illness?

Yes, absolutely. Dogs with:

Chronic lung or heart disease
Weak immune systems
Senior age
Very young age
Other respiratory illnesses

…are more likely to develop severe complications like pneumonia. source

What vaccination proof might boarding or daycare centers require?

Many facilities may request:

Records of canine influenza vaccination (especially in outbreak-prone regions)
Up-to-date boosters
Evidence that the dog has completed the initial vaccination course (e.g. two shots)
Possibly even timing (minimum 14 days after booster)

Because not all dogs will be vaccinated, some centers may make the vaccine a requirement during outbreaks to reduce risk.