Although dogs with the flu virus have trouble breathing, there are other signs to watch out for too. There are two strains of the virus that causes dog flu (Influenza Type A): H3N8 and H3N2. If your dog appears in pain, see your vet as it can sometimes be suggestive of serious conditions such as bloat, pancreatitis or an intestinal blockage. Your dog is coughing and congested, listless and feeling lousy – just like we feel when we come down with a respiratory ailment. “Most infected dogs have mild clinical symptoms and it can be very hard to distinguish from other forms of canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRD), a common type of kennel cough,” says Carrie Jelovich, DVM. Stress-induced trembling. A dog vaccine can sometimes produce adverse side effects. Speaking of outbreaks, you may be wondering if dogs can get infected with the novel human coronavirus, COVID-19 that’s spreading around the world. Acute stress reaction symptoms include shortness of breath, anxiety, nervousness, sense of doom and more. Dog flu symptoms in its mild form include sneezing, nasal discharge, runny discharge from the eyes,lack of energy, reduced appetite, low grade fever, and a persistentcough and stuffy nose that can last for up to three weeks. Several medical issues can cause your pup to shake, tremble or shiver. This doesn’t affect rankings. Peptic ulcers, sores in the lining of the stomach or upper intestine, cause abdominal pain, gas, and more. If a dog bite pierces the skin, bacteria from the dog’s mouth can get into the body, which can cause an infection. Since most dogs have no natural immunity to these relatively new viruses, many who are exposed to Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) will become sick. But the logic of suppressing the immune system may not be the best approach because this leaves the dog susceptible to bacteria, viruses and more sinister illnesses. And for good reason: prevention is the best cure. But another type of flu virus—H3N2, of bird origin—can also cause the dog flu. The cough lasts anywhere from 10-30 days. A fever like this can happen when the body is fighting off any infection - not just coronavirus. Treatment for canine flu varies. And, unfortunately, dogs have no natural immunity for either of the two types of canine flu. The signs are those of a nasty upper respiratory tract infection and include fever, coughing, sneezing, runny eyes, and nose. If your dog demonstrates any of these symptoms you should take them to a vet as soon as possible. “I would caution dog owners from trying to diagnose their dogs prior to consulting their veterinarian,” Collins says. Cough can persist for 2 to 3 weeks. Because of the cough, dog flu is often initially confused with kennel cough. Within a year of the dog virus' discovery, some pet dogs in Florida and New York City had the virus. This could be just the start of a nasty bout of flu which as the condition progresses sees dogs developing a quite high fever. If your dog is shaking his head constantly, an ear infection is likely. The immune system builds antibodies which will fight off any future invasion of this virus, thus rendering the dog … The answer is yes—and it is important to get a prompt evaluation, says Dr. Brian Collins, section chief and lecturer of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine's Community Practice Service in Ithaca, N.Y. Like in humans, influenza is a respiratory disease, Collins says. Symptoms Of Canine Influenza. Along with shivering and a fever, the flu virus usually causes you to have aching muscles, fatigue, and a cough. In those instances, you might want to consider behavioral training methods that teach dogs how to reign in their excitement. Benign essential tremor can cause shaking of the hands and forearms and a quivering voice. Diagnosis can be tricky because the canine flu symptoms mimic those of the more common kennel cough and other, potentially more serious ailments like pneumonia, heart disease, or even some types of cancer. Sign up to Receive our Free Dog Guide E-Book and Monthly Newsletter! The most common symptom of canine flu is a cough. 2015 canine flu outbreak (H3N2) has been traced back to Chicago, Nasal discharge – not just your dog’s normal wet nose, Eye discharge – look for goopy, mucus-like discharge or a noticeable increase if your dog normally has eye discharge. “Because clinical signs of canine influenza can overlap with numerous other conditions, dog owners should contact their vet whenever they observe anything abnormal with their pet.”. Gastroenteritis in dogs refers to an inflammation or irritation of the stomach and intestines. One of the first signs of an ear infection is the dog shaking his head and scratching excessively at his ears. If any other symptoms are present, such as an unusual noise while the dog is breathing, changes in the dog’s pulse, or loss of consciousness, there is probably something else wrong. Peptic ulcer. Dogs who are severely ill with CIV may require hospitalization for intensive care that includes intravenous fluids, antibiotics and oxygen therapy. If diagnosed, take precaution to prevent the virus from spreading by isolating your dog from other dogs and cats, and cleaning and disinfecting all areas, bowls, beds and toys that your dog comes in contact with. Here is a quick guide on how to tell what might be wrong with your furry friend: Coat. A high temperature is 37.8C or above. It saves you from having to pay out of pocket expenses should an illness like dog flu arise unexpectedly. The dog flu can be either mild or more severe and can occur at any time of year. It canresemble kennel coughand other respiratory diseases. Sadly, a small percentage of dogs still will die from the flu despite treatment, Collins says. Your dog starts shivering after ingesting something unusual. Find out all you need to know about what causes it, the most common symptoms and the current veterinary treatments available. Call your vet right away if: Your dog’s shaking is accompanied with other symptoms, like lethargy, anxiety, diarrhea, limping, or vomiting. Mild: In more mild cases, dogs will usually have a moist cough and nasal discharge, the symptoms last from 7 to 30 days and will usually go away on its own. Unfortunately, some dogs get sicker than this and develop a higher fever and labored breathing from pneumonia. Dr. Jelovich cares for critters at the Lawndale Veterinary Hospital in Greensboro, North Carolina. For some, Collins says, the flu becomes fatal. This is an easy visual clue to how your dog is feeling on the inside. While some dogs become very ill with dog flu, others can be exposed to the virus and fight off infection without ever getting sick. Today, she writes for brands and blogs from home with her two canine assistants, Luna and Enzo. Severe: There are vaccinations available to help safeguard dogs from severe disease caused by flu viruses. To sustain this free service, we receive affiliate commissions via some of our links. Take a close look at your dogs coat. Read more: When Animal (Allergies) Attack: Pet Allergy Symptoms… Be alert for these dog flu symptoms. … Symptoms of Canine Flu. Dog Flu symptoms can last for 7–10 days or longer and your dog may be infected for 2–4 days before you notice them. All dogs are susceptible to the illness, and while there isn’t currently an epidemic in the UK, there are still cases of dog flu over here, so your dog could still get it. Dogs that are most susceptible to infection are those that spend a good deal of time around many other dogs during boarding, day care or play time at the dog park. Symptoms Of Ear Infections In Dogs. There are many gastrointestinal conditions in dogs which can cause abdominal pain. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms year-round: Coughing (both moist and dry) Sneezing Nasal discharge Purulent nasal discharge Runny eyes Fever Lethargy Difficulty breathing “However, there is the potential for the virus to change over time such that it could jump species, including to people,” he says. A big, tail-wagging thank you to Carrie Jelovich, DVM, for her contributions to this article in July 2015. Like the flu, this virus-caused disease spreads easily through contact with blood, … Canine Flu Symptoms May Include: Persistent cough Nasal discharge – not just your dog’s normal wet nose Fever Eye discharge – look for goopy, mucus-like discharge or a noticeable increase if your dog normally has eye discharge Reduced appetite Reduced activity, lethargy It is best to use a thermometer to take a measure. Updated: March 4, 2020 Illness Symptoms of exposure to toxins may va… Learn dog and cat allergy symptoms, the cause of allergies to cats and dogs, how to clean up for pet allergies, and the truth about hypoallergenic dogs and cats. 3 Depending on the severity of your cold, you may or may not have shivering with it. The first, H3N8, was identified as a contagious dog disease in 2004, according to Cornell's web page on the subject. This virus first appeared in 2015 in the Chicago area and spread quickly to many states. There are many possible causes of gastrointestinal upset in dogs, including viruses, cancer, or simply ingesting something that disagrees with the digestive system. Gastroenteritis in dogs is a fairly common condition which can lead to diarrhoea, vomiting and other symptoms. Dog Symptoms. A dog shaking that isn’t eating or drinking could simply be … It’s important to recognize the symptoms of dog flu so you can seek treatment for your pet quickly. Other early symptoms can include decreased appetite, lethargy and a greenish discharge from the nose and eyes. Canine Distemper. So if your dog shows any of these symptoms, visit your veterinarian so they can test to confirm whether or not your dog has Canine Influenza H3N2. The H3N2 virus, which also appeared in some cats, is the one causing the most concern in the pet community now, Collins says. Here are a few of the most common medical reasons for these symptoms. The flu needs to run its course (15-30 days for mild cases). (Please don’t give human meds to dogs.) The virus is able to live on surfaces for up to 48 hours, on clothing for 24 hours and on hands for up to 12 hours. The good news is that most dogs who get sick from the canine flu have only a mild form of the disease. Are you concerned your dog may have the flu? Nicole Naviglia has been writing since she was 4 years old. If your dog hasn't been vaccinated and your vet recommends it, he will receive a set of two shots, given two to four weeks apart, followed by annual boosters. Vaccines now are given to dogs at a higher risk of catching the flu, such as dogs that go to kennels and dog shows. If the vomiting and shaking do not subside within about half an hour, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms that are out of the ordinary, your dog should immediately be examined by a veterinarian. Your vet can make a definitive diagnosis (should it be necessary) by swabbing the throat or by a blood sample. However, with more than one strain in widespread circulation, dogs need both H3N2 and H3N8 vaccines to ensure protection against both flu versions, Collins says. While happy shaking isn’t necessarily a problem, some dogs do get overly hyper. Nausea: if your dog’s shaking, he could be experiencing nausea (may also be accompanied by diarrhea, bloating, or vomiting). Coronavirus symptoms: How to tell if it's NOT cold or flu - The key signs YOU have virus CORONAVIRUS is spreading rapidly with the death toll standing at more than a million deaths reported. The virus was sequenced at the Centers for Disease Control, and researchers determined the virus was related to the H3N8 equine virus that was circulating among American horses. Dog influenza can also be transmitted between dogs via contaminated objects such as food and water bowls, collars, leashes, toys, bedding, and through nose-to-nose contact between dogs. Dog flu symptom: Trembling or shivering Often associated with cold, trembling or shivering is also a classic sign of fever and can also be a pain response. You may notice warning signs about the canine flu popping up at doggie daycares, boarding facilities, dog parks, veterinarian’s offices and even dog-friendly businesses. Very severe cases may require hospitalization or more intensive therapies. If you haven’t heard, a canine flu outbreak is spreading across the nation leaving plenty of pups feeling down in the dumps. Your Dog is Super Stressed or Anxious. Could your dog have the canine version of the common human bug known as influenza? It may be as si… Both primarily infect the respiratory system and are extremely contagious. This includes a mild cough and you may notice your dog has a runny nose. These tiny bugs get inside your dog’s nasal passages and are commonly picked up from digging in the dirt with their noses. In addition to frequent sneezing, it is normal that a dog with a cold has abundant mucus in the nose. Dogs that have an ear infection will repeatedly shake their head and dig at their ears. Unfortunately, some dogs get sicker than this and develop a higher fever and labored breathing from pneumonia. Disclaimer: The information provided through this website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. Nausea can have different causes, including: Her first story was about her life in a Blue House filled with talking animals. The symptoms of head tremor in dogs include: Head bobbing back and forth (similar to bobble-head doll) Shaking head up and down (like saying yes) Shaking head (like saying no) That is the bad news. Dog Illness Symptoms For quick reference purpose, I have compiled a list of common illness symptoms in dogs together with some possible causes. Your dog’s trembling is interfering with normal behavior like playtime or sleeping. Often shivering will be accompanied by other signs of pain such as whining, stretching, heavy breathing, panting, a distended abdomen and growling. Benign essential tremor. In some cases, dogs shaking with an upset stomach can be a sign of pain. Dogs that are exposed to many other dogs and canines in outbreak areas are also considered prime candidates for vaccinations, Collins says. Because of the similarity of the twodiseases, it is recommended that a \"better safe than sorry\" approach betaken, with an immediate trip to the veterinarian for evaluation. Since then, the virus has appeared in many different areas of the United States, according to Cornell. On rare occasions, persistent sneezing in dogs can also be caused by nasal mites . A foul odor coming from the ears is usually a yeast infection and can be treated with an ear wash containing boric acid and anti-fungal ointments. Dogs that come down with a mild form of the flu will display a fever and cough that will last one to three weeks, Collins says. At this point, Collins says, there is no evidence the canine flu is zoonotic and contagious to people. Shivering and trembling may be symptoms of something serious -- like poisoning Nicole Naviglia Nicole does all the talking. The dog flu, or Canine Influenza Virus (CIV H3N2 or H3N8), is a highly contagious infection caused by an influenza virus and is transmitted by aerosolized respiratory secretions — think coughing and sneezing. Treatment for canine flu is mostly supportive: fluids, rest and cough medicine prescribed by your vet. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your health care provider. Most people tend to have an idea that their best friend is sick right away. Other early symptoms can include decreased appetite, lethargy and a greenish discharge from the nose and eyes. If the coughing is more severe, the doctor may prescribe cough suppressants, and antibiotics if the dog has a secondary bacterial infection. Dr. Jennifer Robinson on WebMD says that one of the first symptoms of the flu are periods of chills and sweats as the fever comes and goes. Please follow the directions provided by the manufacturer or service provider when using any product or service reviewed or discussed on this website. Because the causes of gastroenteritis in dogs are numerous, treatment can vary widely. The usual symptoms of gastroenteritis in dogs include vomiting and diarrhea, though a range of other digestion-related symptoms may also occur. 11 Comments. We are not responsible in any way for such products and services, and nothing contained here should be construed as a guarantee of the functionality, utility, safety or reliability of any product or services reviewed or discussed. Our review process. Discover how to treat symptoms of pet allergies. Two separate viruses can cause the canine flu, Collins says. 2. In many cases, a vaccine is simply a strain of the virus modified to allow the dog's immune system to fight and destroy it. Disclaimer: This website contains reviews, opinions and information regarding products and services manufactured or provided by third parties. Since we humans get the flu too, can our dogs transmit the disease to us? Dog symptoms are not actually that hard to read. How do you prevent pet allergies? Please click on the links for additional information and natural remedies regarding various specific dog illnesses. Here’s what you can do to help keep your pup from catching the bug and control the outbreak: Here’s a recap of everything we’ve discussed and a little more about this flu and what to look out for from National Geographic.