Are You Worried About Dog Flu? Here's What You Can Do About It

Dog flu is an extremely contagious condition spread by a virus that can be caught by both cats and dogs. Known also as canine influenza (or CIV), it can be quite serious and become dangerous when left untreated.

Your dog should be kept away from pets who experience CIV symptoms, and if they do catch the virus, they must be kept at home until they heal, after which you must wash and disinfect all their items.

Thankfully, treatment for CIV is fairly simple and straightforward. There’s no cure, but you can help it pass harmlessly if you know how. Keep your dog warm and dry, make sure they’re nice and comfortable, and make sure they’re dressed in weatherproof clothing if you have to take them outdoors.

Try to keep your dog from overexerting themselves while they recover. Be on the lookout for symptoms of more serious infections and help clear congestion with a humidifier. If your dog’s nose is getting dry, moisturize it with a topic balm or by adding coconut oil or honey to their meals. You should also clean away any eye or nose discharge.

Luckily, vaccines are available for some strains of CIV. Speak to your vet to see if these options work for you!

Feature Image Source: Pixabay