Canine influenza

[Puppy Madness]

I live in Northern VA outside DC and we seem to be having an outbreak of canine influenza in the area - I don't know much about it or where else there are issues - my vet posted on facebook that to have plenty of influenza vaccines available and to call with questions. I am going to call tomorrow. Has anyone given their pups this shot??? We were at the dog park last weekend with a few dogs we knew.

[Tait & Finn]

Yep. A friend told me about this. Finn got his flu shot along with all his others. I think I'll call the vet just to double check.

[Erin & Maizey]

I was wondering about this too (also in DC) - I got an email from Friendship about it.  Will call my vet since Maizey goes to doggy daycare a few days a week.  

Dog influenza!! Yet another thing to worry about!

[Linda And Loo]

I am down in the Hampton Roads area of Va. I have seen ads about the shot but that is about it. What are the symptoms of canine influenza? We have a condo in Old Town Alexandria so I bring the dogs up north quit a lot in the spring and fall. This maybe something I should ask my Vet about if doggie flu is spreading up your way.

[Janet & Dunbar]

The symptoms are similar to the human flu - cough, runny nose, fever and lethargy -our vet said life threatening symptoms can develop, including pneumonia.  There have also been some outbreaks here in New Jersey.

[Tait & Finn]

I double checked with our vet. Finn had the shot so he's good for a year. Yay!

[April S.]

I read about this online this morning, it really scared me!!  We are going to be traveling this weekend to Western Pennsylvania.... my aunt is coming up with her Westie from the VA/DC area.   I read that dogs can be carriers and not have symptoms but still be contagious.  I called the vet's office this morning and they told me to bring Luna in and they would give it to her.  She was vaccinated today - they said it can take up to 48 hours to be fully protected and then she goes back in 3 weeks for a booster which will last a year.   

[Erin & Maizey]

Maizey is going in on sunday for her shot (with the follow-up booster in 2 weeks).  Having the flu as a dog seems like it would be just as lousy as human flu!  

I will say that my vet's office thought the outbreak was in Montgomery County (in MD), but still recommended doing it since Maizey is around dogs from MD at daycare.  

[Linda And Loo]

I called my Vet and asked about the flu shot. So far we are lucky and she says there hasn't been any reported cases in our area. She highly recommends getting the shot for those of us who travel with our dogs. I am taking our dogs in first thing next week to get their flu shots. Kira, thanks for bringing doggie flu shot topic!