We have recently had questions from many of our clients about a new dog virus called Canine Influenza. Our pet owners are concerned about stories they have seen or articles they have read in the news about dog flu outbreaks. In answering their questions we realized that all of our dog owners may have similar questions and concerns. We decided to post information on our website so that you know the facts about this disease, what dogs are at risk, and what you can do to protect your pet.
Canine influenza is a respiratory disease that can cause coughing, runny nose, watery eyes, loss of energy, and/or loss of appetite. The signs of infection are similar to those of other respiratory diseases in dogs, but the coughing caused by canine influenza can last for several weeks. With proper care, most dogs generally recover. However, canine influenza can lead to more severe or even life-threatening infections such as pneumonia, and has been fatal in up to 8% of cases. At the present time, canine influenza has not been reported to be transmissible to humans.
Canine influenza is caused by a relatively new virus and therefore dogs have no natural immunity to it. Since it is highly contagious, when you visit places where dogs congregate - such as kennels, doggie daycares, dog parks, dog shows or groomers - your dog is at a higher risk for catching this new virus. The fact that dogs can spread the virus before the coughing and other signs of sickness appear makes things a little more difficult.
The best way to protect your dog from canine influenza is through vaccination. Fortunately, the USDA has issued the first conditional license for a vaccine that aids in the control of disease caused by canine influenza. A conditional license is issued to meet a special circumstance such as the emergence of a new virus for which there is no existing vaccine.
Like the human flu vaccine, the new canine influenza vaccine doesn’t completely prevent infection, but it can dramatically reduce the severity of the disease. The vaccine also significantly reduces the amount of the virus that dogs shed, minimizing spread to other dogs - so it is the ideal way to protect our local canine community as well.
We recommend vaccinating dogs against canine influenza if they are at risk of exposure by visiting places where many dogs congregate and if they are vaccinated annually with Bordetella vaccine. To give dogs the most complete protection, the initial vaccination requires 2 doses of vaccine given 2-4 weeks apart. Dogs are considered fully protected 2 weeks after their 2nd dose. They will then receive a single vaccine given annually in years to come.
Please call to discuss any questions you might have or to set up an appointment. If your dog has been seen in the past 6 months for an annual health exam and has no other health issues, you can schedule an appointment with our technicians for the first vaccine and the booster vaccine 2-4 weeks later.
If you would like more information on Canine Influenza, please visit the website www.doginfluenza.com .
