The canine influenza virus is not the same as the canine parainfluenza virus. Both are respiratory diseases that involve dry, or unproductive, coughing and nasal discharge. Both diseases can be mistaken for tracheobronchitis, or kennel cough. However, the canine influenza virus is a much newer disease than the canine parainfluenza virus.

The canine influenza virus is thought to have been first discovered in greyhounds at a Florida racing track in 2004. The disease began spreading to other greyhound racing tracks throughout the United States. The canine influenza virus is similar to the equine influenza virus and may even be a mutation of it.

The canine influenza virus can either be mild or severe. In the milder form of the canine influenza virus, the dog will have an unproductive cough, or a moister cough that can last up to a month. The milder form of the canine influenza virus may also include a discharge from the nose. A high fever and respiratory problems such as pneumonia are likely in the most severe form of canine influenza virus. While most dogs get the milder version of the disease, the canine influenza virus can be fatal if pneumonia develops.

Like the canine influenza virus, the canine parainfluenza virus can also lead to death or serious complications if pneumonia occurs. Dogs with pneumonia may need therapy with intravenous fluid and may require hospitalization. A veterinarian may diagnose the canine influenza virus with a blood test, but may do a chest radiography to help diagnose the canine parainfluenza virus.

Unlike the canine parainfluenza virus, the canine influenza virus is so new that no usable vaccine has yet been developed. The veterinarian should be notified at the first signs of coughing, nasal discharge and lethargy. The incubation period for the canine influenza virus is about two to five days.

The parainfluenza virus is widely associated with tracheobronchitis, or kennel cough, and a vaccine is available to guard against both conditions. Most veterinarians recommend having puppies vaccinated around six to nine weeks of age, with booster shots every three or four weeks. Puppies have natural immunity to disease while drinking their vaccinated mother's milk from birth, but that immunity wears off after several weeks and needs to be supplemented with vaccinations to help prevent disease.