Canine Influenza
Thank you for allowing Rowan Animal Clinic to take part in keeping your pet family healthy! As diseases change in our area we want to make sure that your pets are protected. As many have seen on TV, Canine Influenza is a relatively new respiratory virus that has been moving around the country. We have closely monitored the spread of this virus over the last few years and there have been confirmed cases of influenza in areas as close as Charlotte, Davidson, Wilmington, Asheville, and Raleigh.
As we continue to monitor the spread virus,we are convinced that, at some point, it will make its way to our area, therefore we have determined it to be necessary to update our boarding policy to include the Bivalent Influenza vaccine which protects against both known strains of Canine Influenza. The vaccine is a two-shot series given 2-4 weeks apart. It then takes another 2 weeks for the body to develop immunity. A yearly booster will be needed thereafter. We are dedicated to providing the healthiest environment for all of our boarding dogs.
We understand that it takes time to make preparations for your pet(s). We recommend starting this vaccination series ASAP. This new requirement will go into effect January 1st 2019, so as not to prevent boarding for the clients who have already booked their pets' stay. This means that any pet being boarding January 1st 2019 or after should start their Canine Influenza vaccinations by December 1st 2018 to avoid their reservation being cancelled or delayed. Any pet that has not completed the vaccination series and the 2 week waiting period by January 1st 2019 will not be able to board with us until the series and waiting period have been completed.
For more information about Canine Influenza, scroll down or visit dogflufacts.com
We look forward to seeing you and your pet(s) soon!
As we continue to monitor the spread virus,we are convinced that, at some point, it will make its way to our area, therefore we have determined it to be necessary to update our boarding policy to include the Bivalent Influenza vaccine which protects against both known strains of Canine Influenza. The vaccine is a two-shot series given 2-4 weeks apart. It then takes another 2 weeks for the body to develop immunity. A yearly booster will be needed thereafter. We are dedicated to providing the healthiest environment for all of our boarding dogs.
We understand that it takes time to make preparations for your pet(s). We recommend starting this vaccination series ASAP. This new requirement will go into effect January 1st 2019, so as not to prevent boarding for the clients who have already booked their pets' stay. This means that any pet being boarding January 1st 2019 or after should start their Canine Influenza vaccinations by December 1st 2018 to avoid their reservation being cancelled or delayed. Any pet that has not completed the vaccination series and the 2 week waiting period by January 1st 2019 will not be able to board with us until the series and waiting period have been completed.
For more information about Canine Influenza, scroll down or visit dogflufacts.com
We look forward to seeing you and your pet(s) soon!
What is Canine Influenza (CIV)?
Also known as dog flu, canine influenza is highly contagious virus that occurs year-round and can affect dogs of any breed, age, sex, or health status. Almost all dogs exposed to the virus become infected, and the majority (80% of infected dogs) develop flu-like illness. CIV is not contagious to people.
How is it spread?
Canine influenza virus travels from infected dogs to uninfected dogs through:
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms range from mild to severe: persistent coughing, sneezing, nasal or eye discharge, lethargy, reduced appetite and fever.
Are there complications from this virus?
Secondary bacterial infection can develop and may cause more severe illness and pneumonia.
How is Canine Influenza treated?
How long will it take my dog to recover?
Most dogs recover within 2-3 weeks with treatment.
How can I protect my pet from this virus?
Also known as dog flu, canine influenza is highly contagious virus that occurs year-round and can affect dogs of any breed, age, sex, or health status. Almost all dogs exposed to the virus become infected, and the majority (80% of infected dogs) develop flu-like illness. CIV is not contagious to people.
How is it spread?
Canine influenza virus travels from infected dogs to uninfected dogs through:
- Direct Contact
- Coughing, barking, and sneezing
- Contaminated objects: clothing, kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes
- People handling or moving between infected and uninfected dogs
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms range from mild to severe: persistent coughing, sneezing, nasal or eye discharge, lethargy, reduced appetite and fever.
Are there complications from this virus?
Secondary bacterial infection can develop and may cause more severe illness and pneumonia.
How is Canine Influenza treated?
- Provide supportive care to keep the dog as comfortable as possible
- Medications may be necessary for severe illness or secondary bacterial infections
- Hospitalization may be needed in extreme cases
How long will it take my dog to recover?
Most dogs recover within 2-3 weeks with treatment.
How can I protect my pet from this virus?
- Talk to your veterinarian about your dog's risk of exposure and if the canine influenza vaccine is right for your dog
- This vaccine requires a booster vaccination to be given 2-4 weeks after the initial vaccination. It can take a minimum of 4 weeks to fully protect your dog so it's very important to plan ahead!
- This vaccine will need to be given annually within 6 weeks of the due date or the series must be started over in order to guarantee protection from CIV.
- Avoid exposing your dog to obviously sick dogs
- If there is a CIV outbreak in your area, avoid taking your dog to areas where dogs gather
- Boarding facilities, grooming facilities, day-care facilities, dog parks, dog shows, pet stores and the like
- If your dog shows signs of illness, isolate it from other dogs and seek veterinary care
- Wash your hands after handling any dog and especially after handling a sick dog
- Do not share equipment or toys between sick and apparently healthy dogs