12/07/10 - CANINE INFLUENZA is Coming!

Canine influenza virus (H3N8) causes a respiratory disease that typically includes coughing, runny nose, and 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. Because canine influenza is caused by a relatively new virus, dogs in our area have no natural immunity to it. And since it’s highly contagious, visiting places where dogs congregate, such as kennels, doggie daycares, dog parks, and grooming parlors, puts those dogs at higher risk for catching this new virus. Making things more difficult is the fact that dogs can spread the virus before the coughing and other signs of sickness appear.

The best way to protect your dog from canine influenza is through vaccination. Fortunately, a vaccine is available that aids in the control of disease caused by canine influenza. This vaccine has been safely administered to over a half million dogs to date. We recommend vaccinating at-risk dogs against canine influenza and we require this vaccination for dogs staying in our boarding kennel.

To give your dog the most complete protection, the initial vaccination requires two doses of vaccine given 2 to 4 weeks apart, followed by a single booster dose given annually. Please call us to discuss any questions you might have or to set up an appointment.