Dogs are commonly known as man's best friend. They are loyal, friendly and intelligent but they are also susceptible to contract an emerging disease called: canine influenza.
Canine Influenza is caused by a virus that is a highly contagious infection that almost all dogs can suffer. Some studies have revealed that there is a connection between the virus that causes equine influenza and the one that causes canine influenza. In fact, the canine influenza virus might be a mutation of the equine influenza virus.
No matter their breed or age, if a dog is exposed to this virus they are practically going to get infected. Almost 80% of them show clinical signs of this disease but happily most of them have the mild form of the virus which consists of 10 to 30 days of persisting soft humid coughs. The severe form of the disease is when the dog develops high fevers and symptoms of pneumonia.
In case you are wondering, some fatal cases of pneumonia in dogs are the result of the canine influenza virus severe stage, 5% to 8% of the infected dogs die.
The disease can be treated with nutrition and practices that certify animal care and effective immune response from the dogs. Broad-spectrum bactericidal antimicrobial is useful in any stage of the virus.
Many people worry about the canine influenza virus being able to pass from dogs to humans but up to this day there is no evidence of this.
Dog owners, take note of this information, pay attention to your dog and if you notice any symptom of the disease don't hesitate to take your dog to a veterinary.