Dog Flu (Canine Influenza): Symptoms, Prevention and Safe Grooming
Quick answer: Dog flu (canine influenza) is a contagious respiratory infection that spreads where dogs gather, such as kennels, daycares, dog parks and busy salons. Common signs are coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, fever, tiredness and reduced appetite. Most dogs recover in a few weeks, but some develop pneumonia. To lower the risk, limit close contact with unfamiliar dogs during outbreaks, ask your vet about vaccination, and choose one-on-one grooming instead of a crowded salon.
Dog flu news can make you think twice about a grooming appointment. Here’s what pet parents should know about dog flu, and how Groomit’s one-dog-at-a-time grooming keeps your pup pampered while reducing contact with other dogs.
What Is Dog Flu?
Canine influenza is caused by influenza viruses that infect dogs. Two strains, H3N8 and H3N2, have been identified in dogs in the United States. Because it’s relatively new to dogs, most have no natural immunity, which is why it can spread quickly through places where many dogs mix.
Dog Flu Symptoms
- Persistent cough
- Sneezing and runny nose or eyes
- Fever
- Lethargy and reduced appetite
- In some dogs, difficulty breathing, which can signal pneumonia
Some infected dogs show mild or no signs but can still spread the virus. Dog flu can look a lot like kennel cough, so let your vet make the call; learn more about kennel cough and how to avoid it. Call your vet if your dog has trouble breathing, a high fever, or stops eating.
How Does Dog Flu Spread?
- Coughing, sneezing and barking near other dogs
- Shared bowls, toys, leashes and bedding
- People’s hands and clothing after touching an infected dog
How to Protect Your Dog From Dog Flu
- Talk to your vet about vaccination. Vaccines are available and are often recommended for dogs that board, attend daycare or socialize a lot. See our dog vaccination guide.
- Check outbreak activity. The dog flu outbreak map and your vet can tell you what’s happening locally.
- Limit crowded dog settings during local outbreaks.
- Don’t share bowls, toys or bedding with unfamiliar dogs.
- Wash your hands after handling other dogs.
- Keep sick dogs home and away from other dogs until your vet says they’re no longer contagious.
Is It Safe to Get Your Dog Groomed During Dog Flu Season?
Grooming is still important; skipping it can lead to mats, overgrown nails and skin problems. The key is choosing a setting that limits contact with other dogs. A busy salon with many dogs waiting, drying and barking in the same room carries more exposure than one-on-one grooming.
How Groomit’s 1:1 Grooming Reduces Exposure
- One dog at a time: your dog gets a dedicated groomer’s full attention, with no waiting room full of other dogs.
- At your home or in a mobile van outside: your dog stays close to home instead of visiting a shared salon. Learn how mobile pet grooming works.
- Sanitized tools: tools and equipment are cleaned between appointments.
- No nose-to-nose contact with unfamiliar dogs during the groom.
See how to prepare your dog for a groom and read about the benefits of mobile dog grooming. If your dog is showing flu symptoms, reschedule the groom and call your vet first.
Dog Flu FAQs
What are the first signs of dog flu?
Usually a persistent cough, sneezing, runny nose, fever, tiredness and reduced appetite. Contact your vet if you notice these.
How long does dog flu last?
Most dogs recover within a few weeks, though some develop complications such as pneumonia and need veterinary treatment.
Is there a vaccine for dog flu?
Yes. Vaccines are available for canine influenza. Ask your vet whether your dog’s lifestyle and local risk make it a good idea.
Can humans catch dog flu?
There have been no reported human infections with canine influenza in the US, but people can carry the virus on hands and clothes to other dogs, so wash up after handling dogs.
Should I groom my dog during a dog flu outbreak?
Yes, if your dog is healthy, but choose a setting that limits contact with other dogs, such as one-on-one in-home or mobile grooming. Reschedule if your dog is sick.
Book safe, one-on-one grooming with Groomit →
This article is for general information and is not veterinary advice. Talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s health and vaccination needs.
