Are You Worried About the Dog Flu?

Are You Worried About the Dog Flu?

You may have heard about the recent outbreaks of the dog flu over the last couple of years, and we know that it can be scary. Well, we at Arizona Animal Hospital, are here to help. We can discuss the pros and cons of the vaccine as well as the necessity of the vaccine based on travel and life-style. We have the bivalent vaccine that includes the H3N2 and H3N8 subtypes, and can be given if you decide to that it is needed.

Canine Influenza has affected thousands of dogs across the US over the last 2 years. Symptoms include coughing, runny nose, nasal discharge, inappetence, lethargy and fever. Most cases are not fatal, but some dogs develop life-threatening pneumonia. Dogs are at most risk when in close quarters and contact with other dogs, including shelters, boarding facilities, grooming salons, daycare and dog parks. At this time, there is no evidence that either of the strains (H3N8, H3N2) can infect humans.

The H3N8 strain was first found in 2004 in Florida. Later there was an outbreak in New York with the same strain. Since then, the H3N8 has been found in almost every state, with a few large localized outbreaks. The latest strain is H3N2 which was first found in 2015 in Chicago. Following this outbreak, there were reported cases of this strain in multiple states including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, Louisiana and Illinois.

If you have concerns that your pet may be infected, please call your veterinarian immediately. And again, we are here for you if you have questions or would like the vaccine.

 

Dr Stephanie Lemus




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