You may have heard about the recent outbreak of a new type of dog flu affecting pets across the country. This highly contagious and, for some dogs, potentially serious respiratory infection is called canine influenza virus H3N2, or CIV H3N2 for short.
Chances are, if your dog is exposed to CIV H3N2, he or she may become infected. Dogs that are frequently in contact with other dogs are at the highest risk of infection with CIV H3N2. This includes dogs that are boarded, enrolled in day care, or often visit the local dog park. If you have a puppy, elderly or pregnant dog or a dog that is immunocompromised, you should take extra precautions.
The good news is that our office now has a vaccine available to help control disease associated with CIV H3N2. Please call our office to discuss your dog’s risk for CIV H3N2, particularly if you plan to board your dog soon or regularly send him or her to a grooming or daycare facility. You can also visit Dogflufacts.com for more information.
For the protection of all concerned, we are now requiring the canine flu vaccine before staying in our kennel facility. The initial flu vaccination needs to be given 2 weeks prior to boarding. Maximum protection will occur after the second booster, given 2-4 weeks after the initial vaccination. For long lasting protection, the vaccine must be given once annually thereafter.
If you plan on boarding with us in the near future, please call our office to schedule your pet’s vaccine appointment. We will be happy to answer all your questions about dog flu, and schedule your pet’s vaccine as soon as possible.
~ Dr. Bob Roberts