Canine Influenza Virus

Canine influenza

                While canine flu is not expected to be a huge problem in the York area, it still pays to know the facts and to protect your dogs if they are in high risk situations.  Canine flu is a virus spread by aerosol droplets as from coughing and sneezing as well as by contaminated objects such as clothing or bedding, shared food bowls or toys and by people who have had contact with sick dogs.  The virus is stable for twelve, 24, and 48 hours on hands, objects and surfaces respectively. 

                Dogs at risk include those who frequent dog shows, dog parks, boarding kennels or any situations where large numbers of dogs may be in contact.  Symptoms include coughing, nasal discharge, fever, loss of appetite and lethargy.  Most dogs will recover, but severe cases may progress to pneumonia and could be fatal.  Infected dogs can shed virus for one to five days before showing signs of illness. 

                There are currently two strains of canine influenza virus affecting dogs—H3N2 and H3N8.  H3N2 has also been found to cause occasional mild illness in cats.  These two strains of flu virus do not affect people.  Treatment includes supportive care and isolation of infected patients. 

Patton Veterinary Hospital will soon offer a new canine influenza vaccine containing both strains to replace our current vaccine which offers protection against H3N8 only.  Dogs will require two doses of the vaccine spaced 3-4 weeks apart even if previously vaccinated with the H3N8 vaccine.  Vaccination of high risk patients, use of good hygiene and proper disinfection of contaminated environments, and avoidance of known animals with signs of canine flu can help prevent spread.  There is no approved vaccine for cats. 

                If your dog is boarding this summer or could otherwise be at risk for canine flu, please talk to our doctors and nurses to see if vaccination is right for your pet. 

                This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities. 

Source https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/Reference/Pages/Canine-Influenza-Backgrounder.aspx