The Canine Flu 2023

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92 – November/December, 2023

By Caroline Coile

When we hear about the canine flu striking dogs at shows we often compartmentalize: those shows were in another state, those dogs were from other breeds. So when reports came of an outbreak of canine flu that seemed to center around the Golden Retriever National in Oregon in September, a lot of people from other breeds and other places ignored it. They shouldn’t.

In brief, the cases that have tested positive have been attributed mostly to the canine flu version that popped up around five or so years ago, H3N2, although some tested positive for both H3N2 and the “older” canine flu strain H3N8. Some dogs have mild cases, some have almost died, and a few have actually died. Although the Golden National has received the most attention, everyone needs to be proactive.

That’s because Nationals attract dogs from the entire country, who then travel back to all-breed shows, spreading the virus before they are even symptomatic. It doesn’t matter that it happened in Oregon (other states now have multiple cases) or in Goldens (other breeds now have multiple cases). What matters is that it doesn’t happen to your dog.

Here’s what did happen: Some people believe dogs may have picked it up at shows in Utah before coming to the Golden National. At least one dog at the National was coughing (supported by video evidence). Within three to fours days after the National, several dogs in attendance began to exhibit flu-like signs: a hacking cough, lethargy, inappetence, and a high fever (up to 104 degrees).

Click here to read the complete article
92 – November/December, 2023

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