Facts about canine influenza and a new vaccine that’s now available to protect dogs
Canine influenza is...
• An emerging threat to the respiratory health of dogs across the US – All breeds and ages are susceptible to infection – Because it’s a new virus, dogs have no natural immunity to it
• Highly contagious and easily spread through: – Direct contact (licking or nuzzling) – The air (coughing or sneezing) – Contaminated surfaces (picked up on the hands or clothing of a person and then spread when another dog is touched or petted)
• Characterized by a persistent cough that may last several weeks, as well as runny nose, watery eyes, and a loss of appetite and/or energy
• Usually mild, but can progress to a more severe infection or pneumonia in 10% to 20% of cases, and is fatal in up to 8% of sick dogs
• A concern for owners whose dogs: – Come from a shelter, rescue center, breeder, or pet store – Board at a kennel – Attend doggie daycare or group training – Visit a groomer, dog park, or other places where dogs congregate – Participate in dog events and competitions
Be sure to read our Canine Influenza FAQ
Canine Influenza Vaccine, H3N8 is...
• The first vaccine available to aid in the prevention of disease associated with canine influenza
• Proven to significantly reduce the coughing, severity, and spread of canine influenza infection
• Proven safe; a killed virus vaccine developed, manufactured, and marketed by Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health and conditionally licensed by the USDA – A conditional license is issued to meet a special circumstance such as the emergence of a new virus for which there is no existing vaccine
• Administered in two doses given 2 to 4 weeks apart – One annual booster injection is needed to continue protection Please contact us to schedule a vaccination for your pet. For more information on canine influenza and the new vaccine, visit www.doginfluenza.com.
3 Important things to UNDERSTAND about the vaccine….
1. It takes two vaccinations to provide the best protection. If given specifically for an upcoming boarding date, the first one needs to be given about 4 - 5 weeks prior to the boarding, and the second one needs to be given about 8 - 12 days prior to boarding.
2. The vaccine does not prevent the disease. It will reduce the severity and duration of the cough, fever and other signs and reduce the chance of developing a life-threatening pneumonia.
3. If your vaccinated dog catches canine influenza, the vaccine will not prevent shedding of the virus from your sick dog to other dogs, but it will shorten the shedding period.