Flu Season affects our dogs also...

Recent media coverage has increased awareness of influenza. The recent emergence of the H1N1 virus has brought attention to the flu seasons and precautions that need to be taken. Our dogs are also at risk of catching the canine influenza virus, H3N8. While this disease has similarities to “kennel cough” infections, there are differences between the diseases. Recent cases of “kennel cough” have been reported in our area, and although we do not believe that this outbreak is due to the canine influenza virus, it has prompted investigation by our doctors into vaccination for canine flu. Our concern has been with the very contagious nature of this current “cough” – what if this was influenza? Since this canine flu is a “new virus” the dog population will have no immunity to infection. Nearly 100 % of dogs exposed will become sick with either the mild form or the severe form of the flu. Like in humans, the severe form of flu can cause death, although this is rare.

 

What does this mean for your dog?

Canine influenza can be commonly mistaken for cases of common “kennel cough” infections. The symptoms are very similar, and can include a dry hacking cough, high fever, and upper respiratory discharge. Some of these symptoms can be so severe that they cause vomiting and aspiration into the lungs that can impact healing. If you feel your dog may have any of these symptoms, please call to schedule an appointment right away to get your dog started on medications. Due to the nature of the influenza virus, it is extremely hard to test infected dogs to confirm an infection of the H3N8 virus. Generally, once the dogs start showing symptoms, they are no longer shedding the virus and the vector of the infection cannot be confirmed.

Protect your dog now!

After collecting information from the American Animal Hospital Association and from CSU’s veterinary school vaccine task force we have decided to begin recommending the H3N8 Canine Influenza vaccine for our canine patients that have exposure to other groups of dogs. This would include dogs at dog parks, boarding, daycare, dog shows and events and grooming

This vaccine is a “killed” product and so there is no risk of flu infection from the vaccine. The vaccine is under a conditional license from the USDA which means data submitted to the USDA supports a reasonable expectation of effectiveness. Safety was established in trials involving more than 700 dogs. Current recommendations are for a 2 shot booster program 3 weeks apart. Yearly booster requirement is not set at this time. We will be monitoring for and reporting any reactions to the vaccine to the USDA. If your dog has been seen by our doctors within the last 12 months and is healthy, no office visit will be required. Just like with humans – if your dog has been ill or has a chronic condition our doctors will need to discuss risk/benefits of vaccination.