Our Miniature Schnauzer, Livi, has always been quite healthy. Even as she ages, she still bounds around like a puppy, looks forward to her walks, and eagerly figures out new treat puzzles. So, when we noticed that she was experiencing a slight cough, fever, and lethargy one evening, we worried. Did she have a canine version of the flu or a cold? I did some research and we checked with her veterinarian. Here’s what we found.
Can Schnauzers Get the Flu or a Cold? Schnauzers can be affected by many viruses and bacteria that cause the equivalent of a cold or the flu. Many viruses are harmless, but Kennel Cough and Canine Influenza require a visit to your veterinarian, and getting behind on immunizations can open your Schnauzer up to serious infections that mimic a cold.
We are still not sure what was affecting Livi, and her symptoms only lasted for about two days, but it is very unsettling having a sick pup. My husband and I were up with her several times during the night. I took the photo above when we all woke up the next morning, and she was noticeably not herself for the rest of the day.
While her veterinarian ruled out anything serious, I continued watching her and researching so that we would be better prepared if she got sick again.
Canine Influenza Basics
Where Did it Originate and How is it Transmitted?
There are two influenza viruses H3N8 and H3N2 that cause dog flu or Canine Influenza. The H3N8 was passed on to dogs from horses in 2004, while the latter originated from birds in Asia. It is an infectious respiratory disease that can be passed from one animal species to another.
Canine Influenza is airborne, so any form of respiratory excretion can spread the virus. By barking, coughing, and sneezing, an infected dog releases the virus into the air. The virus is then available for any healthy dog (or other animal, for that matter) to inhale. It can also spread by contact with a contaminated object such as bowls, collars, or food. Once we humans have been in contact with the virus, we can also play a role in spreading it to unsuspecting pets.
Dog parks, boarding facilities, grooming facilities, and other crowded sites are common breeding grounds for these viruses. During the incubation period of this infection (generally 2-4 days), the host seems healthy but can spread the disease to other healthy dogs or animals.
Schnauzers who have contracted H3H8 are contagious for up to 10 days, while those who have contracted H3N2 can be contagious for up to 26 days! Only a veterinarian can determine which virus your Schnauzer has contracted, and they will recommend isolating dogs with the H3N2 virus for at least 21 days to contain any further spreading.
Canine Flu is not seasonal, so you will want to be alert to any symptoms throughout the year.
The Symptoms of Canine Influenza
| Fever | A normal temperature range for dogs is 99.5 and 102.5F degrees. Your Schnauzer may actually feel quite warm to the touch. You can take her temperature to confirm how high the fever actually is. |
| Nasal Discharge | Your Schnauzer may have a runny nose and unusual, pus-like discharge that is noticeably different from his normal wet nose. |
| Eye Discharge | You might observe a mucus-like release from your Schnauzer’s eyes. |
| Lethargy | Like humans, your Schnauzer will have less energy and may be noticeably less active. |
| Reduced Appetite | While your Schnauzer’s body fights the infection, she may not have much of an appetite. Be sure to encourage her to drink water to avoid dehydration. |
| Persistent Cough | As with most other respiratory diseases, your dog may have a persistent cough that is either moist or dry. |
| Sneezing | Just like humans, your Schnauzer may sneeze due to respiratory irritation. |
| Difficulty Breathing | In addition to coughing and sneezing, you may notice that your Schnauzer’s breathing is more labored. |
Treating Canine Influenza
If you suspect your Schnauzer has been in contact with Canine Influenza, has been in close and recent contact with other animals, and is exhibiting most of the symptoms above, contact your veterinarian and schedule an immediate visit.
In some states, veterinarians are required to identify and report cases of Canine Influenza to the government. This helps to pinpoint (and prevent) breakouts that could travel quickly and affects large numbers of animals.
As with the human flu, there is no cure for Canine Influenza itself. Treatment generally entails intake of plenty of fluids and ensuring your dog gets enough rest. However, the flu makes your dog susceptible to secondary bacterial infections and your veterinarian may suggest antibiotics. In addition, and only if necessary, your vet may incorporate steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to reduce the fever.
In addition, stay alert for worsening symptoms since, in rare cases, Canine Flu can develop into a highly dangerous form of pneumonia.
Preventing Canine Influenza
If you have heard reports of Canine Influenza in your area, keep you Schnauzer away from public places, kennels, and even her groomer until it passes. The highly contagious viruses that make up Canine Influenza can be transmitted very easily by other animals and even you.
If you think you might have been in contact with an affected animal, wash your hands, arms, and clothes, and disinfect anything you may have touched.
If you are in a highly infectious area, or if you travel with your Schnauzer, you could also consider incorporating the flu vaccine (designed specifically for the H3N8 and H3N2 virus strains) into your Schnauzer’s vaccination routine.
To prevent further spreading, quarantine your Schnauzer and disinfect your home.
A Cold or Kennel Cough? The Basics
What is Kennel Cough?
There are many viruses that can cause cold symptoms in your Schnauzer. As with you and me, the symptoms themselves can be annoying, and either be nothing to worry about or something quite serious.
Kennel Cough is a highly infectious canine respiratory disease that brings on a distinctive, dry cough that is similar to the sound of a honking goose.
While a cold can come, go, and leave a healthy Schnauzer to move on like nothing has happened, Kennel Cough should be addressed by your veterinarian.
Symptoms are nearly identical to a common canine cold, so only your vet can determine if your Schnauzer has contracted it or not.
As its name suggests, Kennel Cough is most often spread in a notoriously common place: kennels.
Kennel Cough is airborne and spread when dogs inhale infected air whenever in crowded places. Poorly ventilated spaces, cold temperatures, and dusty areas are ideal for the spread of this infection.
Kennel Cough is very treatable and your Schnauzer can recover, but if your Schnauzer is still a puppy or already has a compromised immune system, your veterinarian needs to be involved.
Additional Causes of Cold Symptoms
Unfortunately, your Schnauzer can exhibit what seem to be cold symptoms, but may actually be evidence of another underlying cause. For example, cold symptoms can stem from fungal infections and even allergies, both of which could damage lung tissue and ultimately pneumonia.
Cold symptoms can also arise from bacterial, parasitic infections such as roundworms and heartworms. Cold symptoms can also be signs of the Canine Influenza, Bronchitis, or Canine Distemper.
To be on the absolute safe side, it’s always best to at least call your veterinarian about cold symptoms. Your veterinarian will either be able to confirm or rule out serious illnesses and, if necessary, start treatment.
The Symptoms of a Cold
| Sneezing | Your Schnauzer may sneeze due to the respiratory irritation. |
| Nasal Discharge | Your Schnauzer may have a runny nose that is noticeably different from his normal wet nose. |
| Eye Discharge | You might notice a watery release from your Schnauzer’s eyes. |
| Persistent Cough | As with most other respiratory diseases, your dog may have a persistent cough that is either moist or dry. Kennel Cough will have a distinctive sound like a honking goose. |
| Low fever, Low appetite, Lethargy | These can all be additional symptoms of either a cold or Kennel Cough. |
Treating a Cold or Kennel Cough
If your Schnauzer is experiencing cold symptoms, and your veterinarian has ruled out anything more serious, the treatment is straightforward. Ensure that she has access to plenty of clean water and let her rest. You can keep her eyes and nose clean with a gentle dog wipe or moist washcloth. You may want to wash her bedding, give her a gentle bath, and consider giving her a massage.
If your veterinarian diagnoses your Schnauzer with Kennel Cough he may recommend everything above, along with an antibiotic to treat any secondary infections. He may also recommend a cough suppressant.
Preventing a Cold and Kennel Cough
There are vaccines for Kennel Cough, Distemper, and Canine Influenza viruses. In fact, Distemper vaccines are generally required. You can talk to you veterinarian about your Schnauzer’s risk for contracting viruses that might be vaccinated against.
Other than the vaccines above, there is no prevention for contracting cold symptoms other than maintaining a clean environment and avoiding public places. As with human risk for picking up a cold, the best recommendation is simply to use common sense. Stay informed about cold and Kennel Cough outbreaks in your area and avoid exposure until it subsides.
We don’t want to stop living a full life with our Schnauzers due to fear of a cold (or something more serious), so simply stay informed, keep an eye on your Schnauzer’s behavior, and involve your veterinarian if needed.
Additional Questions:
Can I give my Schnauzer cold medications and pain relievers? Definitely not. Human cold and cough medicines that contain decongestants are very harmful to dogs, while pain relievers such as Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen can actually be fatal. Always work with your veterinarian to decide what, if any, medications your Schnauzer needs. There are canine versions of some medications that your vet can prescribe. There are even some human medications that can be safe, but please always check with your vet.
Can Schnauzers and humans pass the flu and colds to each other? Viruses are generally species-specific, so no, you and your Schnauzer cannot infect each other with viruses…even highly contagious ones. However, you can spread a canine virus to your Schnauzer if you have come in contact with another infected dog, animal, or surface. While the canine virus will be harmless to you, you can easily pass it to your pup. Likewise, your Schnauzer can obviously pass viruses to other dogs and animals.
And finally, from one pet parent to another, discover my all-time favorite resources designed to cover your every Schnauzer need. I’ve done the legwork for you so you can spend more time with the people and fur friends in your life.
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