- What is canine influenza?
- How does the canine influenza vaccine work?
- How much does the canine influenza vaccine cost?
- How often does the canine influenza vaccine get administered?
- Does pet insurance cover the cost of the canine influenza vaccine?
- What are the potential side effects of the canine influenza vaccine?
- FAQs
This article was approved by Lemonade’s favorite vet, Dr. Stephanie Liff.
On average, the canine influenza vaccine costs $30 to $70 per dose in 2024. While this vaccine is considered “non-core”, or not essential, the rise of social activities for dogs like daycare, dog parks, and boarding facilities, increases the risk of exposure to illnesses like canine influenza.
Let’s break down how you can keep your pet safe from the canine flu.
What is canine influenza?
Canine influenza, sometimes referred to as “dog flu” or “canine flu”, is a contagious respiratory disease caused by the influenza A virus strains H3N8 and H3N2. Dogs in social settings like boarding facilities, dog parks, or daycare centers face a higher risk of exposure to the canine influenza virus.
Typical signs of canine influenza include:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge
- Runny eyes
- Fever
- Lethargy
The dog flu can also lead to severe respiratory illness in dogs, such as pneumonia. If your pet is showing symptoms of canine influenza, you should contact your vet for the best course of treatment.
Typically, treatment for dog flu consists of supportive care such as keeping your pet hydrated and making sure that they get lots of rest. Although no specific medication exists to treat the dog flu, vets might suggest options to alleviate symptoms and prevent secondary bacterial infections or severe illness from developing. According to the AVMA, the fatality rate for dogs with canine influenza is low, as only one to five percent of dogs end up dying of the virus.
Vaccination with the canine influenza vaccine is essential to help reduce the risk of dog flu outbreaks and support animal health. According to Lemonade’s vet expert Dr. Liff “If a vaccinated pet contracts canine influenza, they should experience a much milder illness, however, they still may exhibit mild clinical symptoms.”
How does the canine influenza vaccine work?
Just like other dog vaccinations, (and human vaccinations for that matter) the canine influenza vaccine, or CIV, is an injection that stimulates your dog’s immune system to produce antibodies against the virus. These antibodies help your dog’s body recognize and fight the virus if exposed.
While the vaccine does not completely prevent infection, it significantly reduces the severity and duration of the illness.
Other non-core vaccines, given based on the risk factors of the dog—like their lifestyle—could include Leptospirosis, Lyme vaccine, and Bordetella (kennel cough). The essential, or “core” vaccines your pup will need include Rabies and DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza).Â
How much does the canine influenza vaccine cost?
The average cost of the canine influenza vaccine is $30 to $70 per dose. Low-cost vaccination clinics or animal shelters may offer it at a reduced price, especially when included in a package with other essential pet vaccinations.
The cost of the canine influenza vaccine can vary depending on several factors, including:
- Where you live
- Whether it is administered at a veterinary clinic or a low-cost vaccination clinic
- If it’s part of a vaccination package
How often does the canine influenza vaccine get administered?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all puppy vaccination schedule, and you should always consult your vet to come up with the best vaccination schedule for your canine companion. As this vaccine is considered a “non-core” vaccine, discussing your pup’s lifestyle with your vet will help determine if this vaccine is necessary to keep them happy and healthy.
If your vet does recommend the canine influenza vaccine, the initial vaccination protocol for CIV involves two doses, given two to four weeks apart. If you have a puppy, the earliest they can receive the initial dose of the vaccine is six to eight weeks old.
After completing the initial series, your dog will need an annual booster to maintain immunity.
Does pet insurance cover the cost of the canine influenza vaccine?
Yes, if your pet insurance plan includes wellness coverage, then chances are it could help cover the costs of the canine influenza vaccine, when they’re administered or supervised by a licensed vet. But the specifics will depend on the coverages you chose when signing up.
When you include the Puppy/Kitten Preventative Care Package on your Lemonade Pet policy, for example, your puppy will be eligible for coverage on up to six vaccines a year—which could include the initial canine influenza vaccine and boosters.
This package could also help cover the costs associated with microchip implantation, spay/neuter procedures, heartworm, flea, and tick prevention, heartworm tests, and more.
For adult dogs, Lemonade’s Preventative Care or Preventative+ Package also includes up to three vaccinations per year, which could help cover the costs of the canine influenza vaccine.
What are the potential side effects of the canine influenza vaccine?
Like any vaccine, the canine influenza vaccine can have side effects, though they are generally mild. Common side effects may include:
- Mild fever
- Lethargy
- Soreness at the injection site
In rare cases, more serious side effects can occur such as:
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
- Hives
- Facial swelling
Always monitor your pet after vaccinations and immediately contact your vet if you notice any concerning symptoms. If your vet is not available, bring your pet to the closest emergency vet.
Keep in mind the benefits of protecting your dog from the canine flu via vaccination far outweigh the potential risk of side effects.
Before we go…
Investing in pet insurance early in your pup’s life can help provide your fur fam with extensive coverage—from core vaccines, to unforeseen accidents and illnesses as they grow up into adult dogs.
Did you know that at Lemonade Pet you can cover your pooch with dog insurance from the time they’re two months old?
Click below to get your quote started today.
FAQs
Why is the canine influenza vaccine considered a "non-core" vaccine?
The canine influenza vaccine is classified as “non-core” because not all dogs are at high risk of exposure. It is recommended based on a dog’s lifestyle and environment. For example, dogs who spend lots of time frequenting dog parks or doggy day-cares are at a higher risk of contracting canine influenza.
How is canine influenza diagnosed?
Canine influenza is diagnosed through a few different tests, including PCR testing, serologic testing for antibodies, and virus isolation. Your vet may take nasal swabs or blood samples for accurate diagnosis.
How can I prevent my dog from getting canine influenza?
In addition to vaccinating your dog, minimizing exposure to infected dogs is crucial. Avoiding crowded areas like dog parks and boarding facilities during a canine influenza outbreak can help reduce the risk of infection.
Can dogs spread canine influenza to humans?
There is no evidence that canine influenza can be transmitted to humans. The virus is specific to dogs and, in some cases, cats.
What should I do if my dog shows symptoms of canine influenza?
If your dog exhibits symptoms of canine influenza, isolate them from other dogs and contact your veterinarian for advice. Treatment typically involves supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
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 policies issued by Lemonade, 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 and discounts may not be available in all states.
