My vet (UGA grad) put this out about canine flu and thought it might be helpful to those of you who like me, think of their dog as a member of the family......not just "the dog".
I want to address the recent outbreak of canine respiratory illnesses across the country and how it relates to us. We have received a large number of phone calls about Canine Influenza.
In the Midwest U.S. recently over 1000 dogs have been affected by Canine Influenza. About a week ago, Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement Center voluntarily closed to quarantine 23 dogs with respiratory symptoms. One of these dogs died.
First, don't panic. I will tell you when it's time to panic. Canine Influenza is very similar to human Influenza in the manner that pets are affected. Clinical symptoms are persistent cough, runny nose, fever and sometimes more severe respiratory symptoms in a small percentage of dogs. Like human Influenza, it is more of a nuisance than a danger for most of the population. Of course that is a small consolation for those severely affected.
Older dogs, younger dogs and immunocompromised dogs (Cushing's patients, diabetics, cancer patients and those on immunosuppressive medications for example) are at a higher risk of more severe disease if they become exposed.
Influenza is very contagious, it spreads like wildfire through respiratory secretions. Dogs going to boarding facilities, grooming facilities, dog parks, etc are potentially at an increased risk of exposure. Remember, the disease must exist in our area before it can spread and so far there have been no documented cases in our area. Even the dogs in Gwinnett have NOT been confirmed to have influenza.
A Canine Influenza vaccine is available and we do require it in our boarding facility for this very reason.
The outbreak in the Midwest has been documented to be from a new strain of Canine Influenza thought to have come from Asia. It is not known how well the current vaccine works against this new strain but it is still recommended for "at risk" dogs. This does not mean that everyone should run out to get their dog vaccinated for Canine Influenza. Think realistically about exposure. If your dog hasn't left the yard, or even seen another dog in a long time, then you probably do not need to get it vaccinated at this time.
For dogs who are frequently boarded, groomed, go to dog parks or anywhere that their are lots of dogs congregating, then it is a good idea to get them vaccinated if they are not already.
For the "at risk" group of older, younger or immunocompromised dogs, be certain that you are taking care of due diligence by confirming no respiratory illnesses or sick dogs in the facilities you are going to and avoiding contact with any dogs of unknown health status. So this recent outbreak should not affect our behavior since we should be doing all of this anyway.
Should your dog begin to have respiratory symptoms (persistent cough, runny nose or fever) then be on high alert and contact us if you are concerned. Of course we are in the middle of pollen season and many dogs are coming in with runny eyes, runny noses and sneezing anyway.
Finally, Canine Influenza has not been documented to have affected humans. Be aware, be smart and we will update you as needed with any additional information.
Thanks, GF, DVM
I want to address the recent outbreak of canine respiratory illnesses across the country and how it relates to us. We have received a large number of phone calls about Canine Influenza.
In the Midwest U.S. recently over 1000 dogs have been affected by Canine Influenza. About a week ago, Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement Center voluntarily closed to quarantine 23 dogs with respiratory symptoms. One of these dogs died.
First, don't panic. I will tell you when it's time to panic. Canine Influenza is very similar to human Influenza in the manner that pets are affected. Clinical symptoms are persistent cough, runny nose, fever and sometimes more severe respiratory symptoms in a small percentage of dogs. Like human Influenza, it is more of a nuisance than a danger for most of the population. Of course that is a small consolation for those severely affected.
Older dogs, younger dogs and immunocompromised dogs (Cushing's patients, diabetics, cancer patients and those on immunosuppressive medications for example) are at a higher risk of more severe disease if they become exposed.
Influenza is very contagious, it spreads like wildfire through respiratory secretions. Dogs going to boarding facilities, grooming facilities, dog parks, etc are potentially at an increased risk of exposure. Remember, the disease must exist in our area before it can spread and so far there have been no documented cases in our area. Even the dogs in Gwinnett have NOT been confirmed to have influenza.
A Canine Influenza vaccine is available and we do require it in our boarding facility for this very reason.
The outbreak in the Midwest has been documented to be from a new strain of Canine Influenza thought to have come from Asia. It is not known how well the current vaccine works against this new strain but it is still recommended for "at risk" dogs. This does not mean that everyone should run out to get their dog vaccinated for Canine Influenza. Think realistically about exposure. If your dog hasn't left the yard, or even seen another dog in a long time, then you probably do not need to get it vaccinated at this time.
For dogs who are frequently boarded, groomed, go to dog parks or anywhere that their are lots of dogs congregating, then it is a good idea to get them vaccinated if they are not already.
For the "at risk" group of older, younger or immunocompromised dogs, be certain that you are taking care of due diligence by confirming no respiratory illnesses or sick dogs in the facilities you are going to and avoiding contact with any dogs of unknown health status. So this recent outbreak should not affect our behavior since we should be doing all of this anyway.
Should your dog begin to have respiratory symptoms (persistent cough, runny nose or fever) then be on high alert and contact us if you are concerned. Of course we are in the middle of pollen season and many dogs are coming in with runny eyes, runny noses and sneezing anyway.
Finally, Canine Influenza has not been documented to have affected humans. Be aware, be smart and we will update you as needed with any additional information.
Thanks, GF, DVM
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