First isolated a few years ago in Florida, the Canine Influenza Virus (H3N8) is a disease that places all dogs at risk. Like the H1N1 Influenza virus, the H3N8 strain has jumped from one species (horses) to another (dogs). Because this strain of the Influenza virus is new to the canine species, dogs have not had a chance to develop the protective antibodies required to fight off the disease. In the Florida epidemic, many dogs did not survive. Since the initial outbreak, studies have shown that approximately 5% of dogs that get the virus will not survive.  Affected dogs have been identified in 30 states and Washington D.C.

H3N8 spreads rapidly from dog to dog. Dogs shed the virus up to a week before demonstrating any clinical signs. This means that an otherwise healthy dog may be shedding the virus, placing all other dogs at risk. Clinical signs include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, low grade fever, and secondary pneumonia and can persist up to 21 days despite attempted treatment. There is no specific treatment available, merely supportive care.

The Canine Influenza Virus vaccine is highly recommended for dogs older than 12 weeks of age with high exposure to other dogs, ie. boarding, grooming, canine classes, etc.