Recently, we’ve received questions from some of our clients about a virus called canine influenza. They were concerned about stories they had seen or read in the news about influenza outbreaks. In answering their questions, we realized that all of our dog owners may have similar questions and concerns. Below you will find some helpful information about canine influenza, what puts dogs at risk and what can be done to protect them.

Canine influenza is a respiratory disease that can cause coughing, runny nose, and/or loss of appetite. With proper care most dogs generally recover. However, canine influenza can lead to severe or even life threatening infections, such as pneumonia, and has been known to be fatal in a small percentage of cases.

Because canine influenza is caused by a relatively new virus, dogs have no natural immunity to it. It is highly contagious where dogs congregate, such as kennels, day cares, dog parks and grooming facilities. These kind of locations put dogs at a higher risk for catching this virus. Making things more difficult is the fact that dogs can spread the virus before the signs of sickness appear.

As with most things, prevention is the best medicine. The best way to protect your pet is through vaccination.  A vaccine is available that aids in the control of the disease caused by canine influenza. This vaccine has been safely administered to half a million dogs to date.

We recommend getting your dog vaccinated for the canine influenza virus and have the vaccine available.  Vaccination is cheaper than treatment of the disease.

To give your dog the most complete protection, the initial vaccination requires two doses of the vaccine given 4 weeks apart, followed by a single booster annually.  To make it easier for our clients, we will not be charging an office visit for the second vaccine given 4 weeks after the first.

More information on Canine Influenza is available at the Center of Disease Control  or Merck Animal Health

Please give us a call for any additional information or appointments.