Canine Influenza

Receive $10.00 off one dose of the Canine Influenza vaccine from November 1, 2019 – November 30, 2019 

For the safety of all dogs, most boarding facilities now require your dog to have the influenza vaccine, as Cincinnati has seen an outbreak of the flu in the past. Canine flu is highly contagious. 

What dogs are most at risk? Any dog that currently receives the Bordetella vaccine for kennel cough should also be vaccinated for Canine Influenza. This includes dogs that are boarded, groomed, attend “doggy daycare,” or visit dog parks and pet stores.

What are the clinical signs of Canine Influenza? Initially, infected dogs may present with symptoms indistinguishable from ordinary kennel cough. Coughing, nasal and eye discharge, fever (rectal temperature above 103), decreased appetite, and lethargy are commonly observed. If left untreated, these symptoms may progress to full-blown bacterial pneumonia, which can be life-threatening.

Is there a test for Canine Influenza? Nasal swabs collected during the first 3 days that a dog is symptomatic can be submitted for virus isolation. Most dogs, however, present to our clinic after this testing window has passed, so diagnosis is based on the progression of clinical signs.

Can Canine Influenza be treated? Influenza is a virus, which must run its course. However, the bacterial complications of this disease are most life-threatening, and are very susceptible to antibiotic therapy. The key is early diagnosis. Any dog that has been coughing for more than a couple of days should be brought in for examination.

Bottom line: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! If your dog is at risk, get it vaccinated soon!