2026-04-06
As devoted dog parents, we know there’s nothing more heartwarming than seeing our furry friends wagging their tails with joy, no matter the season! But as winter rolls in and temperatures drop, our four-legged companions need a little extra care to stay warm and healthy. From bundling them up in adorable sweaters to safeguarding them against seasonal illnesses like canine influenza, keeping your pup warm and protected should be easier after reading this article.
Yes, dogs can get the flu! It’s called canine influenza virus (CIV for short), and it’s caused by specific influenza A viruses, such as H3N8 and H3N2. CIV emerged from birds in Asia around 2005 and has been circulating in dogs for the past 20 years, according to research. Fortunately, the virus has not been able to have a prolonged effect on our furry friends. It typically has a short lifespan when it infects large populations living in dense settings, such as dog shelters and kennels.
The virus spreads through respiratory droplets, contaminated objects such as water bowls, kennel surfaces, and collars. However, the owner’s hygiene is also very important since their hands or clothes could be carrying the pathogen if they have interacted with an infected individuals. Dogs are most contagious 2–4 days after infection, even before showing symptoms. Vaccination and good hygiene practices are key to preventing outbreaks, especially in places like kennels, shelters, and dog parks.
Canine influenza virus (CIV) primarily affects the respiratory system of dogs, causing symptoms like coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Most cases are mild, but some dogs can develop severe complications such as pneumonia or secondary bacterial infections, according to research. The mortality rate is reportedly low, ranging from 1–10%.
If your furry friend is battling the flu, please seek veterinary help. Some dogs that have a weakened immune system, senior dogs, and those battling cancer may develop pneumonia and secondary bacterial infection. Sadly, there is no cure for canine influenza, and your veterinarian will likely recommend giving your pooch time to rest, food additives to boost their immune system. The use of antibiotics may be required in case of a secondary bacterial infection. Also, you may want to switch to using a harness instead of a collar so your dog’s throat is not under pressure.
The cost of the canine influenza vaccine typically ranges from $30 to $70 per dose at most veterinary clinics. Since the vaccination schedule usually requires two initial doses (2–4 weeks apart) followed by annual boosters, the total cost for the first year might be around $60 to $140, with subsequent yearly boosters adding to your expenses. Some clinics may include the vaccine in wellness plans, which will likely affect the pricing.
The dog flu vaccine is a relatively affordable way to protect your furry friend from the flu, especially if they frequent places with other dogs, like parks or boarding facilities. The CIV vaccine is applied as an injection that stimulates your dog’s immune system to produce antibodies. They 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.
Potential side effects include lethargy, mild fever, hives, vomiting, and diarrhea. Please, contact your veterinarian if your dog is not taking the vaccine well.
Dog-to-Cat infection with Canine Influenza Virus is possible, as was discovered in 2016. If your dog gets the flu, try to keep them separated from your cat to minimize the risk of infection. Also, try to clean all items that your dog and cat have shared recently. This can help reduce the risk of infection.
Cats with dog flu exhibit lip smacking, runny nose, lethargy, and increased saliva production. Please, talk to your veterinarian about the best treatment plan.
The risk to humans is very low but not zero. Viruses constantly change, and canine flu could adapt at some point to infect humans. Bird Flu (H5N1 influenza virus) has been reported to infect cows and pigs in November 2024. The virus is being closely monitored in 2025.
The shedding season for most dogs tends to align with changes in daylight and temperature. Typically, you'll see dogs shedding more in spring and fall as they adjust their coats to the changing weather. In spring, dogs shed their heavier winter fur to prepare for warmer temperatures, while in fall, they shed their lighter summer coat to grow thicker fur for the colder months.
Some breeds, especially those with double coats like Siberian Huskies, Shiba Inu, Border Collie, Chow Chow, Samoyed, and Golden Retrievers, shed more seasonally. Others with shorter coats and smaller bodies, such as the Dachshund, Boston Terrier, French Bulldog, Jack Russell Terrier, Beagle, and Chihuahua, might shed consistently year-round. Shedding patterns can be significantly affected by your dog’s health, diet, and environment.
You should start putting a sweater on your dog when the temperatures drop low enough that your pup might feel uncomfortable. A good rule of thumb is if you feel chilly and need an extra layer, your dog might too, especially if they have short fur, are a small breed, are older, or have certain health conditions. For most dogs, this usually happens when temperatures dip below 7–10°C (45–50°F).
Pay attention to signs like shivering, reluctance to go outside, or seeking out warm spots—these are clear indicators that your furry friend could use some extra warmth. If your canine is not warm enough, their body may be vulnerable to pathogens.
You should make sure your pooch has comfortable protective clothing while you enjoy walks and agility activities outside. Sweaters made with a mix of materials, such as cotton-acrylic or wool-acrylic blends, balance warmth and comfort while being easier to care for. Cotton is breathable and suitable for mildly chilly weather. Acrylic sweaters are affordable, warm, and easy to clean. Wool is excellent for warmth and insulation, making it great for very cold weather. Always make sure the sweater fits snugly but isn’t too tight, and avoid materials that might irritate their skin.
Frostbite begins when the dog’s body pulls blood from the extremities to the center of the body to keep the organs functional. Your paw friend’s ears, paws, or tail can get very cold, so watch for signs of pale or gray skin if your dog has a short coat. Double-coated breeds should be relatively safe as long as you are not dealing with extreme temperature variations.
If your dog is suffering from frostbite, wrap them in a blanket and keep them in a warm area of your home. As frostbitten areas warm, they can be extremely painful, so try not to move or touch your dog too much to make the warming process more comfortable for them.
Hypothermia occurs when a dog spends too much time in the cold. Your pooch will start to shiver, and their ears and feet will become cold. As hypothermia progresses, your dog may show signs of lethargy and weakness. If you do not help your dog warm themselves their muscles will stiffen, the heart and breathing rates will slow down, and they may become slow to respond.
