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Step 1
Although dogs do not get human flu, nor is their canine flu transmittable to humans, they do have an illness very similar to our flu - Canine flu also known as canine influenza. Canine flu is basically a respiratory illness which is transmittable between dogs (it can, however, be transmitted by human contact so people who work with dogs should be particularly sensitive to keeping their hands washed (Purex antibiotic solution is a nice thing to keep in a pocket...)
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Step 2
Dogs with the flu exhibit symptoms similar to kennel cough. The illness may demonstrate a prolonged racking cough that can last up to 3 weeks. Along with the cough, your dog may appear listless, may refuse food, and run a fever. Joint pain may be present so you may hear some sounds of discomfort upon rising. Watch for slow, deliberate movements also to detect joint pain.
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Step 3
If you dog exhibits symptoms of the flu, take him to a vet for treatment as some dogs get very sick with this illness and can develop pneumonia. Better to treat earlier than be sorry later. Since the dog flu is a virus, it must run its course and there currently is no treatment for the primary disease. The only thing your vet can do currently is treat the separate, emerging symptoms such as prescribe medication to lower the fever, relieve joint pain, etc. If your dog gets increasingly ill and will not take water, the vet may want to hospitalize so your dog can get I.V. fluids.
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Step 4
It is critical that your dog continue to ingest fluids so, if he won't eat, boil chicken in water and try to get him to drink the broth to start. Try to get as many liquids into him as you can. You might try those Frosty Paws for something cool to lick. Bathing your dog in cool water may help relieve the fever.
