Although nearly all dogs that have the H3N2 influenza virus can transmit it, only about 80 percent of infected dogs show symptoms. The virus can survive in the environment for days. This means a dog can catch it without direct contact with another dog, says veterinary epidemiologist Yvette Johnson-Walker.
Source: Herald & Review, August 18, 2018. Link. Vaccines are available for each strain of canine influenza, as well as one that will protect against both.
As with any vaccine, there is no guarantee that it will prevent the disease, but it will dramatically reduce the chances of infection and will make the disease milder and shorter-lived if a dog does become infected.
Also see: Canine influenza, Clinician’s Brief, September 2016. Link.
INSIGHTS:
Since both strains of dog flu originated in other species, some may wonder whether the virus can jump from dogs. In fact, cats can be infected with canine influenza, but it causes only mild disease. However, cats can serve as carriers and can transmit the virus to dogs. There is not currently a vaccine for cats.