Canine flu is transmitted from one dog to another through sneezing or coughing and is a virus which is spread through the air. Additionally, the flu can be dispersed through nose secretions, and it can be contracted from contact with infected surfaces.

Signs of dog flu normally become evident within two to five days of exposure to the virus. Canines that have the flu are contagious for up to ten days.

Symptoms of dog flu include:

* Repeated sneezing
* Chills
* Coughing that lasts for one to three weeks
* A hacking, dry cough
* Shallow and quick breathing with some difficulty
* Making choking or gagging noises after vomiting
* Watery, draining eyes
* Depressed personality and behavior
* Lack of appetite
* Severe lethargy and lack of energy
* Dehydration (and dry skin as a result of)
* A fever over 105 degrees Fahrenheit
* A thick, green or yellow nasal discharge
* Pneumonia (or some other type of bacterial infection)

Kennel cough and dog flu are different.

Many people confuse symptoms of kennel cough with dog flu, but they are two separate conditions. While kennel cough is caused by the presence of bacteria, dog flu occurs as the result of a virus. A racking, dry cough accompanies kennel cough, and dog flu is identified with a wet cough. Canines rarely die as a result of dog flu.

In general, most dogs recover from this illness quickly. There are a few who perish when the flu is associated with other infections. Older dogs and those which are in poor health are more likely to succumb to other infections which make them helpless.

If your dog is coughing that does not mean that he has dog flu. It could simply be a cold or a very mild flu that can be eliminated with some type of cough medicine. In order to avoid severe infections, any mild infection should be treated with an antibiotic as soon as it becomes evident.

Dogs with very high fevers need hospitalization and medical treatment, including intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration. The veterinarian can do tests to make the diagnosis of dog flu.

Do not take chances when you hang out in public with your dog. Never allow your pet to share eating or drinking dishes with other pets. If your dog displays any hint of a cough, keep him away from other animals until the cough disappears.