It may seem a little odd at first to think that your Shih Tzu may catch a cold or flu. This is because your pooch may exhibit symptoms that are not quite like what you see in humans. However, dogs are subject to the flue as well, which means that they can become quite sick. However, with many canine cases of flu identified, they can be vaccinated as protection.
The Dog Flu
First discovered in 2004, this canine flu which is officially known as H3N8 is a respiratory infection that started in horses and eventually made its way into racing dogs. While the number of cases of this particular branch of the canine flu is no longer as common and the effects being fairly mild, vaccination will prevent it from occurring. Plus, if the dog can be treated by your vet in the early stages, then it may prevent the flu from fully developing.
How the Flu Spreads?
It spreads from dog to dog much in the same manner that the flu spreads among humans. A dog that comes into contact with another dog that has the flu or objects that are contaminated by the secretions of the infected dog will pass on. The most common symptoms of the dog flu are as follows;
- Coughing
- Fever
- Fatigue or Lethargy
- Lack of Appetite
- Runny Nose
These are signs of a respiratory infection which can last for several days. The coughing might be confused with a common, harmless condition known as kennel cough. But your Shih Tzu with a respiratory infection will have a productive cough and not a dry one.
What to Do?
If you see the symptoms persist in your Shih Tzu for more than a couple of days, then you should cause your vet and schedule an appointment. They can test to see if the dog has canine influenza and prescribe treatment based on the results.
For the most part, your Shih Tzu with the flu will be treated like a human with the flu. This means taking medications and staying hydrated. If your Shih Tzu is showing signs of fever or pneumonia, then antibiotics are often prescribed.
Prevention
The best way to protect your Shih Tzu is not letting the dog come into contact with other dogs. If you have come into contact with an infected dog, then be sure to wash your hands and clothing before touching your Shih Tzu.
There is a vaccination that prevents some strains of the canine flu to infect your pooch. The vaccine is given in two stages over several weeks. This helps ensure that your Shih Tzu will not catch some types of canine flu, but it cannot prevent it from all types.
Vaccinations are recommended for dogs that regularly come into contact with other dogs. If your dog remains inside the house or isolated from other dogs, then the chances of catching the canine flu are remote. However, if you take your dog to kennels or a dog park, then vaccinations are recommended.
