Canine Influenza Advisory
Canine influenza is a newly emerging infectious disease in dogs caused by a highly contagious strain of the H3N8 canine flu virus. Canine influenza spreads the same way that human flu spreads, through direct contact (kissing, licking, nuzzling), through the air (coughing and sneezing), and through contaminated surfaces. About 80% of symptomatic dogs will have clinical signs of disease. Signs include a low grade fever, nasal discharge, lack of energy, loss of appetite, and a cough that could last up to a month. Canine influenza can become quite serious in some dogs. 20% of symptomatic dogs can get more severe signs as high fever, pneumonia and even death. 8% of dogs will die from secondary infections that result from CIV, including acute pneumonia and bronchitis. There is currently no specific treatment for canine influenza. As with all viral illnesses, the disease must run its course. Recently, however, the USDA approved a new canine influenza vaccine. This vaccine has clinically been proven to significantly reduce the severity of this influenza and the length of time that a dog is sick. The initial vaccination requires 2 doses 2-4 weeks apart, followed by annual revaccination.
We encourage vaccinating dogs, especially dogs that are at a higher risk of exposure such as boarding and grooming dogs, or dogs that are on immune suppressive drugs like Prednisone, Prednisolone or chemotherapy.
Questions? Give us a call: (408) 252-6380
Learn more
AVMA
AVMA Backgrounder: Canine influenza September 7, 2009
http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/canine_bgnd.asp
AVMA: Frequently Asked Questions About 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus
http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/new_flu_virus_faq.asp
ASPCA
Q&A
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dog-care-canine-flu-question-and-answer.html
More on the Canine Influenza Vaccine
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