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Canine Influenza - Sick As A Dog
Canine influenza is spread through the air or on contaminated surfaces (including hands and clothing). Currently there are no documented cases of any other animal (including humans getting canine influenza).
Dogs at a higher risk for contracting either the H3N8 strain or H3N2 strain of canine influenza are those who board at kennels, attend doggie day care, or frequent dog parks.
Dogs who visit other public places such as grooming facilities, pet stores, have a pet sitter come to the house, or even live in apartment complexes where there are other dogs around are at risk.
Symptoms resemble kennel cough and include coughing, nasal discharge, fever, eye discharge, lethargy, decreased appetite and vomiting.
Treated early, the majority of dogs recover, but some dogs will need fluids or medications to help them get better.
Many boarding facilities, groomers and doggie day care centers are requiring vaccination against canine influenza. If your dog is at high risk we recommend the vaccination.
Vaccination against canine influenza is a series of 2 shots given 3 weeks apart. Because the immune system has to react to the vaccine and make new cells, the full effectiveness of the vaccine will not be until about 2 weeks after the 2nd vaccine.
If you are planning to travel for the holidays and your boarding facility requires the vaccine we recommend starting the vaccine series as soon as possible. Please call us if you have questions or to schedule an appointment.
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