Canine Influenza

Canine Influenza Virus, or dog flu, causes an uncomfortable and highly contagious respiratory infection called Canine Influenza. Still considered a fairly new virus, Canine Influenza has an extremely high rate of infection, as most dogs have not had a chance to build up a natural immunity to it. Any dog who has not had the illness and completely recovered is susceptible to the virus, and, if exposed, will become infected.

Canine influenza generally presents as a mild illness in most dogs, but some dogs may become extremely ill once infected and require additional medical care. If your dog comes from a shelter, breeding kennel or pet store, visits doggie daycare or boards at a kennel, attends group training, visits a groomer or dog parks, and encounters dogs in waiting rooms, on neighborhood walks or visits to the vet, they may be at risk for infection.

The canine influenza vaccine is your pet's best defense against infection, and has been clinically proven to reduce the severity of the disease, and the length of recovery time.

Typically, dogs infected with canine influenza will display symptoms such as runny nose, persistent cough and fever. Symptoms may be similar to other common respiratory illnesses, making the condition particularly difficult to diagnose. Dog Flu spreads rapidly and quickly through direct contact with respiratory secretions from infected pets. This contact can be both direct and indirect, coming from a cough or sneeze, or from exposure to contaminated dog bowls, objects and clothing.

Ask us how we can help safeguard your pet from the severity of this highly infectious disease, and provide you with the information you need to decide whether the canine influenza vaccine is right for your pet.

Canine Influenza Quick Facts