Canine Influenza Vaccine: What Is It, and Does Your Dog Need It?
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As flu season approaches, you may find yourself wondering: Can dogs get the flu?
Yes, dogs can get the flu, but they have their own strains of influenza that don’t pass between dogs and people. Luckily, pet parents can protect their dogs from the flu with the canine influenza vaccine.
Key Takeaways
- The canine influenza vaccine protects against two strains: H3N8 and H3N2.
- It may be recommended for dogs who visit high-risk environments, like boarding, grooming, or daycare.
- The vaccine helps reduce illness severity, viral spread, and the risk of pneumonia or death.
- Dogs need two initial doses and then yearly boosters starting as early as 6 weeks of age.
What Is the Canine Influenza Vaccine?
Vaccines are available that protect against H3N8 and H3N2, the two strains of canine influenza. These two flu strains started in other species, with H3N8 starting in horses and H3N2 originating from birds.
Both viruses are highly contagious, and dog flu symptoms include:
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Dry cough
The cough does not respond to antibiotics and usually lasts 10–21 days. In some cases, dogs can get pneumonia, which can be life-threatening.
The canine influenza vaccine stimulates a dog’s immune system to build protection against the dog flu.
In addition to individual H3N8 and H3N2 vaccines, shots that protect against both strains (called bivalent vaccines), are also available. These bivalent vaccines are usually preferred over vaccines that target a single strain.
Regardless of which strains are included, canine influenza vaccines are inactivated or killed, which means there is no live virus in them. The vaccine is a stable injectable product that can’t itself cause influenza.
Newer types of vaccines are still being investigated and they may come on the market in the future.
The canine influenza vaccine is not currently considered a core vaccine, so it’s only recommended for dogs who are considered at risk of getting influenza based on their lifestyle or geographic location.
In areas with known canine influenza cases, at-risk dogs include those who go to:
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Dog parks
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Doggy daycare
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Dog shows and agility events
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Training classes
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Boarding facilities
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Grooming facilities
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Veterinary clinics
The canine influenza vaccine should also be considered for dogs traveling to areas with known cases. Dog flu has been found in most states over the last couple of decades.
According to the Merck Outbreak Map, states with known cases of canine influenza in 2025 include:
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California
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Illinois
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Georgia
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South Carolina
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Virginia
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Maryland
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New Jersey
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Connecticut
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Vermont
Your veterinarian may also recommend the dog flu vaccine for your pet if they live in an at-risk area and have another health condition, such as heart disease, which could raise their risk of getting another serious illness.
Dogs should be at least 6 weeks old before getting their first flu shot. The initial series includes two doses given two to four weeks apart. Thereafter, boosters are given annually.
How Effective Is the Canine Influenza Vaccine?
While the canine influenza vaccine may not completely prevent infection, studies show that it significantly reduces the length and severity of the virus.
Some studies show that 100% of vaccinated dogs avoid symptomatic disease when challenged with the canine influenza virus.
Vaccinated dogs will also shed the virus for less time than unvaccinated dogs, helping to reduce spread of canine flu. These studies also prove that dogs who are vaccinated develop protective antibodies against the strains of influenza they were vaccinated against.
Around 10–20% of dogs with canine influenza will develop more serious illness, typically meaning pneumonia, and 1% to 5% of dogs who get canine influenza will die from the disease, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Vaccination can minimize the risk of serious illness and death.
Benefits of the Canine Influenza Vaccine
The following are benefits of the canine influenza vaccine:
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Less likely to develop clinical disease after infection
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Milder clinical signs that last for a shorter time (if any develop)
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Significantly reduced risk for pneumonia and lung damage
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Decreased risk of death
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Shorter viral shedding time, decreasing spread and outbreaks
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Increased safety in social settings
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Ability to protect from both H3N8 and H3N2 with one product
The vaccine may be required by grooming facilities, kennels, and dog daycares in areas with known outbreaks. By getting your dog vaccinated, you’ll have more options for your pet to socialize or receive care while you’re away.
The flu vaccine is well tolerated by most dogs. Side effects are usually mild, such as soreness at the injection site and short-lived lethargy.
You can offer your pup a soft, comfy dog bed and blanket as they recover.
If your dog develops signs of an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis—such as hives, facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or vomiting—seek immediate veterinary attention.
Canine Influenza Vaccine FAQs
How often should my dog get the canine influenza vaccine?
If your veterinarian is recommending the canine influenza vaccine for your dog, they’ll need two doses two to four weeks apart and then one annually thereafter.
How much does a canine influenza shot cost?
Prices vary based on geographic location, clinic type, and the product used, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $75 per dose, according to Lemonade Insurance.
Pet insurance is unlikely to cover vaccination unless you have a wellness add-on plan.
Do groomers require the influenza vaccine?
Groomers may require the influenza vaccine if there are known outbreaks in the area.
Check with your groomer to make sure your pet meets their vaccination requirements.
Is canine influenza vaccine necessary for dogs?
The canine influenza vaccine is not considered a core vaccine.
It’s only recommended in dogs who are at risk of exposure based on their lifestyle and their geographic location. In an area with known influenza outbreaks, veterinarians may recommend the vaccine for dogs who socialize with other dogs or who go to locations visited by other dogs.
References
Salmon S, Oien N, et al. Clinical Safety and Efficacy after In Vivo. Challenge of a Killed, Monovalent Canine. Influenza Virus (H3N8, Iowa05 Strain). International Journal of Applied Research in Veterinary Medicine. 2012;10(1):19–30.
Deshpande MS, Jirjis FF, Tubbs AL, et al. Evaluation of the efficacy of a canine influenza virus (H3N8) vaccine in dogs following experimental challenge. Veterinary Therapeutics. 2009;10(3):103-112.
Cureton D, Scott-Garrard M, et al. An Inactivated H3N2 Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) Vaccine Aids in the Prevention of Clinical Disease and Virus Shedding in Dogs Challenged with Virulent H3N2 CIV. International Journal of Applied Research in Veterinary Medicine. 2016;14(2):128–134.
