Can Dog's get the Flu?

Yes, dogs can get the flu, and if you’ve ever watched your dog cough through the night or drag themselves to their water bowl, you already know how miserable it looks. Canine influenza is a real, contagious respiratory illness, but here’s the reassuring part: most dogs recover fully within a couple of weeks with supportive care at home.

The key is knowing what you’re dealing with, when to monitor from home, and when to call your vet.

What is dog flu?

Canine influenza is a respiratory infection, meaning it affects your dog’s nose, throat, and lungs. It spreads through respiratory droplets when dogs cough, bark, or sneeze near each other. It also travels via shared water bowls, toys, and even your own hands if you’ve touched an infected dog and then handled yours.

The incubation period, which is the window between exposure and when symptoms show up, is typically two to four days. During that time, your dog can already be contagious without looking sick at all. That’s a big part of why it moves so fast through boarding facilities, doggy daycare, and dog parks.

Dog flu symptoms: what to look for

The signs of dog flu range from mild to serious. Most dogs land somewhere in the middle, but a small percentage, especially those with flat faces (brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs) or other health issues, can develop complications like pneumonia.

Common symptoms include:

• Persistent cough (can be wet or dry)
• Nasal discharge (clear at first, can turn thick or yellow-green)
• Fever, usually between 104°F and 106°F
• Lethargy and reduced interest in food
• Eye discharge
• Vomiting, in some cases

Dog flu symptoms like vomiting are less common but worth noting, especially since they can contribute to dehydration. If your dog can’t keep water down, that’s a vet call, not a wait-and-see situation.

Dog flu vs. kennel cough: how to tell them apart

This is the question most articles skip, and it’s the one you’re probably asking right now. Dog flu, kennel cough (caused by Bordetella and other pathogens), and canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC, which is an umbrella term for several overlapping respiratory illnesses) can look nearly identical at first glance.

Here’s a practical breakdown:

• Kennel cough tends to produce a loud, honking cough. Dogs often remain energetic and eat normally. Fever is less common.
• Dog flu usually causes more obvious fatigue, a higher fever, and nasal discharge that progresses. Dogs tend to feel worse overall.
• Both spread in the same places: boarding, doggy daycare, dog parks, vet waiting rooms.
• Neither can be confirmed without lab testing. Your vet can swab for canine influenza specifically.

Red flags that mean call your vet now

Most dogs can be monitored at home with rest and fluids. But these signs mean don’t wait:

• Labored or rapid breathing
• Blue or gray-tinged gums (a sign of low oxygen)
• Fever above 104°F that doesn’t come down
• Complete refusal to eat or drink for more than 24 hours
• Symptoms getting noticeably worse after 3–4 days

These can signal pneumonia, which is the most serious complication of dog flu and requires immediate veterinary care.

Dog flu treatment: what actually helps

There’s no antiviral medication approved for dog flu. Treatment is supportive, meaning the goal is to keep your dog comfortable while their immune system does the work.

Your vet may recommend:

• Rest and isolation from other dogs to prevent spreading
• Fluids to prevent dehydration, either at home or via IV if severe
• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, the canine equivalent of ibuprofen) to manage fever and discomfort. Never give human NSAIDs to your dog.
• Antibiotics only if a secondary bacterial infection develops alongside the virus
• Cough suppressants in some cases, at your vet’s direction

For at-home dog flu treatment, keep your dog warm, encourage water intake, and give them a quiet place to rest. Watch the symptom list above closely. If things aren’t improving after four to five days, check back in with your vet.

How long does dog flu last?

Most dogs recover fully within two to three weeks. Mild cases often clear up closer to the two-week mark. Dogs with pneumonia or other complications may take longer and need more intensive care.

Keep your dog isolated from other dogs for the full duration of symptoms, plus a few days after they seem better. They can still be contagious even as they start to feel like themselves again.

Can my dog get the flu from me, or can I get it from them?

This is the worry that sends a lot of people to Google at midnight. The reassuring answer: canine influenza is not known to infect humans. Dog flu is not zoonotic, meaning it doesn’t jump from dogs to people under normal circumstances.

The flip side: you can carry the virus on your hands, clothes, or shoes and pass it to another dog. So if you’ve been around a sick dog, wash your hands and change your clothes before interacting with your own. Human flu strains (H1N1, H3N2 in people) are different from the canine H3N2 strain, so your flu won’t give your dog dog flu, and their flu won’t give you the flu.

The dog flu vaccine: who needs it

There is a vaccine available for both H3N8 and H3N2 strains. It doesn’t guarantee your dog won’t get infected, but it can reduce severity and shorten recovery time if they do.

The dog flu shot is most recommended for dogs that regularly interact with other dogs:

• Dogs that board frequently
• Regular doggy daycare attendees
• Dog park regulars
• Dogs that compete or travel to shows
• Dogs in multi-dog households

If your dog is mostly a homebody and rarely around other dogs, your vet may decide the vaccine isn’t necessary. Ask them, and they’ll give you a recommendation based on your dog’s lifestyle.

Does pet insurance cover dog flu?

A routine case of dog flu might mean one or two vet visits plus some supportive medications, and that’s manageable. But if your dog develops pneumonia, you’re looking at hospitalization, IV fluids, and extended care. That’s where costs climb fast.

A Lemonade accident and illness policy can help cover eligible vet costs related to dog flu, including diagnosis, treatment, and hospitalization, as long as the condition isn’t pre-existing. That last part matters: pet insurance only works if you enroll before your dog gets sick.

If your dog spends time around other dogs, the canine influenza and bordetella vaccines are worth talking to your vet about. A Lemonade preventive care add-on can help offset the cost of those vaccines as part of your dog’s routine wellness visits, so you’re not just covered if they get sick, you’re also set up to help prevent it in the first place.

If your dog is healthy right now, this is the right time to look into coverage, not after they’re already coughing.

Before we go

Dog flu is scary to watch, but for most dogs, it’s a recoverable illness with the right care and a little patience. Know the symptoms, know the red flags that mean go to the vet now, and keep your sick dog away from others while they heal. If your dog is social, ask your vet about the H3N8 and H3N2 vaccine at their next visit.

And if you haven’t looked into pet insurance yet, doing it while your dog is healthy is the move that will actually help you when you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC.  The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.