Can Dogs Get the Flu?

What Is Canine Influenza?

Canine influenza (dog flu) is a highly contagious respiratory disease that affects dogs of all ages and breeds. An estimated 80% of healthy dogs exposed to an infected dog will contract it. Puppies, senior dogs, and immunocompromised dogs are most vulnerable.

Note: There are two known strains — H3N2 and H3N8. H3N2 can also infect cats and other pets.

How Does Dog Flu Spread?

Like human flu, canine influenza spreads rapidly in confined spaces — shelters, boarding facilities, dog parks, pet stores, and daycares. It's airborne and can also live on surfaces: food bowls, toys, bedding, and your hands.

Humans can't catch dog flu, but we can transmit it between dogs through petting and grooming. Wash your hands after petting any dog — not just for your health, but for theirs. Keep bowls and bedding clean with supplies from our pet feeding and watering collection.

Signs of Canine Influenza

Dog flu shares symptoms with kennel cough but can be more serious if not caught early. Contact your vet immediately if you notice:

• Coughing or wheezing
• Sneezing
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Nasal discharge

Preventing Canine Influenza

Avoid Exposure

Avoid dogs and locations with known outbreaks. This is the most direct way to prevent infection.

Wash Your Hands

Wash hands after petting any dog — the virus can live on your skin and be passed to the next dog you touch.

Disinfect Regularly

Clean and disinfect food bowls, toys, and bedding frequently — especially in multi-pet households. The H3N2 strain can spread to cats.

Vaccinate

A dog flu vaccine is available for the H3N8 strain. Talk to your vet about whether it's right for your dog, especially if they frequent dog parks, boarding, or daycare.

How to Treat Dog Flu

See Your Vet

There's no rapid test for dog flu. Bring your dog in as soon as symptoms appear. Your vet will treat based on symptoms and may prescribe antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections. Severe cases may require hospitalization or IV fluids for dehydration.

At-Home Care

Rest is critical. Give your dog a quiet, comfortable place to recover — browse our dog beds collection for cozy options. Keep them hydrated even if their appetite is low, and follow all vet instructions carefully.

Follow Up

If symptoms don't improve after a few days, return to the vet. They may run further tests or adjust treatment — complications like pneumonia are possible.

For more on keeping your dog healthy, see our guides on lumps and bumps on dogs and protecting your dog from ticks.