The New Threat for Dogs:  Canine Influenza

The chill in the air is a reminder that cold and flu season is here.  During this time it is important to remember our canine family members as well.  Canine Influenza (CIV), or dog flu, is an emerging virus that is highly contagious to dogs.  According to Merck Animal Health, the virus was identified in 2004, and since has been confirmed in cases throughout 35 states and the District of Columbia.  The threat to dogs is significant because the virus is so new that our canine companions are not naturally immune.

Your dog is at risk if they visit any public place like the groomer, dog park, kennel, or pet store.  This is because the virus is shed by the infected dogs and can be passed through direct contact or droplets from a sneeze or cough.  Other possible methods of transmission include contaminated objects like water bowls, toys, clothes, doorknobs, or the hands of the pet owners or shelter volunteers.  If your dog is already receiving the bordetella vaccine, they are a candidate for the canine influenza vaccine.

Much like the human flu, the dog flu symptoms include:  lack of appetite, fever, coughing, nasal discharge, and lethargy.  The danger is that the symptoms can progress into a high grade fever, difficulty breathing, and pneumonia; which can be life threatening especially for those at higher risk such as puppies and seniors.  Veterinarians are only able to treat the symptoms with supportive care.  Immunization is the recommended treatment plan and is your dogs best chance to fight Canine Influenza.  The Canine Influenza vaccine not only provides your dog with a defense against the CIV, it also prevents the spread of the highly contagious virus.

 Since the confirmation of the Canine Influenza Virus in 2004 there have been numerous reported outbreaks.  The most recent reports include: 2 positive cases in Ohio (1 in Franklin County near Columbus and 1 in Portage County near Akron), 2 positive cases in Kentucky (in Woodford County near Lexington), 16 positive cases in Pennsylvania, and 2 positive cases in Tennessee.  Since the testing program at Cornell University began in 2009, there have been 243 positive tests.  Although the number is alarming, it is estimated that there are many more cases of Canine Influenza than what is reported.  The testing can sometimes result in a false negative, because the testing system is dependent on a very strict time frame.  The sample must be taken within a certain time from the pet's exposure to the onset of clinical symptoms.  The spread of canine influenza can be devastating to pets and facilities caring for them.  Merck Animal Health advises that it only takes one dog to shut down a facility.  According to their reports, in January 2009 their was a citywide outbreak in Colorado Springs, CO and three doggie daycares were shut down for 3 days each.  In August of 2009, dozens of sick dogs shut down a shelter in Fairfax, VA.  Adoptions were at a stand still for more than two weeks and the infection was spread to a local clinic where the dogs had been treated.  Fifty dogs were infected in a veterinary clinic/boarding facility in Atlanta, GA in September of 2009.  The boarding facility was shut down and all elective procedures were postponed.  As you can see it is important to protect your dog with the flu vaccine, even if your boarding facility does not require it.  One infected dog can spread the virus quickly. Please discuss your pet's vaccine needs with your veterinarian. 

Glenway Animal Hospital is celebrating Pet Wellness Month this October by promoting preventitive medicine and healthy habits.  Throughout October of 2011 Glenway Animal Hospital is offering half price Canine Influenza vaccines.  Give us a call at 513-662-0224 to set up the appointment.

Merck Animal Health presents: