Canine Influenza is caused by a virus that is closely related to the Equine Influenza virus and is thought to be a mutated form. The first case of Canine Influenza is believed to be in 2004, at a racing greyhound track in Florida. There are 2 forms: mild and severe. Essentially all dogs exposed to canine influenza become affected, 80% show signs of disease, and there is a mortality rate of from 5 to 8%.  Initial signs are similar to kennel cough, but often include rhinitis. In severe forms, there is a fever of 104° to 106° and signs of pneumonia. Treatment includes helping the immune system and supporting lung function.

 

 

The following nutraceuticals or natural/herbal formulas can also provide effective treatment for your canines suffering with the influenza.

 

 

 

Integrative Medicine

 

» Sambucus Nigra: This flower will help sooth your dog’s infected respiratory system.

» Verbascum Thapsus/mullein leaves: These herbs will also help open and sooth the dog's nose, lungs and throat.

» Calc sulph, Ferrum phos and Hepar sulph: Helps keep the dog's airways open and clear.

 

Canine Influenza (Immune Support) – Canine Products – (Reference: Veterinarians’ Desk Reference)

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Species affected:  Dogs

Background: Environmental pollution, especially pesticides, exposure to heavy metals and radiation contribute to a weakened immune system. Chronic immune suppression can be genetically predisposed, as many people breed animals that are already immune suppressed. Chronic administration of drugs also can weaken a susceptible immune system. Some animals may require greater than "normal" amounts of some nutrients, especially antioxidants.

 

amounts of some nutrients, especially antioxidants.

Symptoms: Occurrence of frequent infections, abscesses, bladder infections, colds, pneumonia, small wounds that will not heal, yeast infections. Other body systems may be involved such as the digestive tract, nervous system, skin, respiratory system, reproductive tract and the joints of the body.

Diagnostics: Depend on the system(s) involved and the availability of immune function tests; in some cases, the primary diagnostics are a complete history and physical.

Special Notes: Nutritional imbalances and deficiencies are common in commercial diets. Detoxification often helps.

Principles for Supplementation: Supply nutrients that aid the immune system without overloading it.

 

 

FORMULAS	DOSAGE	MECHANISM/PURPOSE
Boost27	1 capsule per 20 lb bid or 1 scoop per 20 lb bid	Maintains optimal health and supports recovery.
Canine Sports Basics12 or Canine Geriatric Basics12	Dogs: 1 capsule/25 lb sid	Provides supportive nutrients.
Cellular Forte with IP-6 28	Dogs: ¼-1 capsule bid	Stimulates the immune system.
Immugen12	Dogs: 1 capsule/25 lb sid	Nutrients enhance immune function.
ImmunoVET-Fc12	Small dog: 1 capsule/10 lb bid	Improves gut barrier function; immune modulator.
ImmunoVET-C12	Dogs: 1 scoop/25 lb bid	Improves gut barrier function; immune modulator.
ModucareVET12	Dogs: 2 capsules/25 lb sid (give between meals)	Plant sterols and sterolins enhance immune function and decrease autoimmune antibody production.
Myco-ImmuneVET12	Dogs: 1 drop/1 lb sid-bid (1 dropperful = 30 drops)	Increases macrophage activity, NK-cell activity, resistance to infection, IgG and IgM response, interleukins, interferon, humoral and cellular immune functions.
PhytisoneVET12	Dogs: 1 capsule/ 25 lb bid	Herbs, vitamins, and zinc for immune support.
Yu Ping Fan San25	Dogs: 2-4 pills bid or tid	Tonifies Qi and stabilizes the exterior.

 

Canine Influenza (Canine Bronchitis) – Canine Products – (Reference: Veterinarians’ Desk Reference)

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Species affected: Dogs

Background: Usually occurs when dogs are exposed to large numbers of other dogs, especially when boarded. It may occur as the aftermath of a viral infection or other respiratory infection, but may also be bacterial, allergic, traumatic in origin, or from exposure to dust, mold, pollution smoke or other irritating substances. Excess barking may also predispose animals to bronchitis.

Symptoms: Generally a dry hacking cough and there may or may not be increased respiratory secretions and lung sounds, fever and dyspnea. The cough tends to be persistent.

Diagnostics: Physical exam; rule out tumors and heart disease.

Special Notes: In the older dogs the immune system is often compromised.

Principles for Supplementation: Natural treatment supports the respiratory tract, helps stabilize the membranes and move secretions if present.

 

 

FORMULAS	DOSAGE	MECHANISM/PURPOSE
Astra C23	Dogs: ½-2 tablets bid or tid	Nutrients and Chinese herbs that help the respiratory system; most effective when used at first sign of infection.
Canine Geriatric Basics12	Dogs: 1 capsule/25 lb sid	Broad-spectrum nutrients including some antioxidants.
Cysteplus12	Dogs: 1 capsule sid	Mucolytic and antioxidant.
Dispel Invasion24	Dogs under 20 lbs: 2 drops bid Dogs 20-50 lb: 3 drops bid Dogs over 50 lb: 4 drops bid	Releases the exterior.
Er Chen Wan25	Dogs: 2-4 pills bid or tid	Removes excess phlegm and damp from lungs, stops cough, relieves chest congestion.
S.A.T.12	Dogs: 1 capsule/25 lb sid	Decreases pulmonary fibrosis.
Small Animal Antioxidant12	Dogs: 2 capsules/25 lb sid	Broad-spectrum antioxidant formula.
Super EPAVET12 or Omega PlusVET12	Dogs: 1-2 gelcaps/25 lb sid	Anti-inflammatory; enhances the immune system.
ImmunoVET-Fc12 or ImmunoVET-C12	Small dogs (Fc): 1 capsule/10 lb bid Larger dogs (C): 1 scoop/25 lb bid	Boost immune system in immunocompromised dogs.

 

 

To help you quickly find the right Integrative Medicine formulas and manufacturers to help treat your dogs, cats and horses, please refer to the Veterinarians’ Desk Reference (Click Here)