Dog flu is a contagious respiratory disease. It is caused by two specific Type A canine influenza viruses (CIVs): H3N2 and H3N8.

• The “new” strain, CIV H3N2, was identified in Asia in 2006 and in the U.S. in 2015 during a major outbreak of respiratory illness in Chicago.
• The other strain of dog flu, CIV H3N8, was first identified in the U.S. in 2004.
• In 2017, dogs in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, Louisiana, Illinois and other states were diagnosed with CIV H3N2.
• Zoetis provides the Vanguard CIV H3N2/H3N8 vaccine for protection against both highly contagious strains of CIV.

• Symptoms of dog flu may include reduced appetite, high fever, cough, runny nose and lethargy.
• Dog flu symptoms are similar to those of other bacterial and viral causes associated with Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD).
• Symptoms can last for several weeks.
• As with flu in humans, symptoms and severity of infection may vary from dog to dog.
• Dogs with CIV H3N2 infection may show more severe signs than dogs with CIV H3N8, or they may show very mild signs of infection.

• Both CIV H3N2 and CIV H3N8 are contagious, and nearly all dogs exposed to dog flu will become infected.
• About 80% of infected dogs will show symptoms.¹
• Severity may be different from dog to dog.
• Both types can cause serious illness in dogs that are very young or very old, as well as dogs with weakened immune systems.
• The death rate for dog flu in general is less than 10%.¹
• Your veterinarian can discuss your dog’s individual risks and help decide on the best prevention plan for your dog.¹

Dogs catch the flu from each other in some of the same ways we pass flu among ourselves:

• Droplets from sneezing or coughing from an infected dog.
• Contact with contaminated objects like a ball or toy.
• Contact with infected pets or objects at dog parks, day cares, groomers and more.
• The virus can survive on your hands for up to 12 hours and on clothing for up to 24 hours — so even though humans don’t become infected or sick with CIV, we can still transmit the virus to dogs.²

• Yes, since releasing the first vaccine for CIV H3N2 in 2015, Zoetis has introduced a bivalent (dual purpose) vaccine for both dog flu strains.
• Vanguard CIV H3N2 is available through your veterinarian and helps protect your dog from outbreaks.
• It is indicated for vaccination of healthy dogs 8 weeks of age or older as an aid in the control of disease associated with infection.
• The vaccine is recommended for dogs in regular contact with other dogs at public or private facilities and events.

• The CIV H3N8 vaccine has not been shown to cross protect for CIV H3N2.
• When vaccinating dogs to help prevent respiratory infections, it is important to understand that vaccination does not guarantee that a dog won’t become infected. It should be anticipated that vaccination will help to reduce the severity of signs of infection and help to decrease the amount of time that dogs will be capable of spreading the infection.
• Generally speaking, flu shots are specific for strains of influenza.
• A single vaccine for both flu strains, Vanguard CIV H3N2/H3N8, is now available.

• Dog flu cannot be cured with medication.
• Supportive care is available — sometimes it is as basic as making sure a dog is resting, eating and staying well-hydrated.
• Sometimes antibiotics and other medications also are given to help ease signs of infection or guard against secondary infections.
• Your veterinarian can talk with you about specific treatment options for your dog’s infection.
• Keep pets with signs of respiratory infection away from other pets until your veterinarian tells you otherwise.

If there is a dog flu outbreak in your area, exposure may be increased wherever dogs are in close contact, such as dog parks, pet day care centers and communal water bowls.

• Wash your dog’s toys, bowls and bedding regularly.
• When you’ve come into contact with other dogs, even if they don’t appear sick, wash your hands and change clothes before handling your own pet.
• Avoid contact with sick or possibly exposed dogs, as the virus can persist on clothing and other surfaces for at least 24 hours.

• If you are concerned that your pet may be showing signs of dog flu, contact your veterinarian and keep your dog at home.
• Until you’ve received examination or test results from your veterinarian, keep your dog separated from other pets.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after handling your sick pet.
• Vaccinating your dog may also help to keep other dogs safe if there is a risk of a dog flu outbreak in your area.

There is no evidence that either CIV H3N2 or H3N8 can be transmitted to humans.

• Yes, CIV H3N2 has been documented to cause infection and respiratory illness in cats.³
• There is no evidence that CIV H3N8 can lead to disease in cats.