{"id":1217,"date":"2012-10-16T19:29:30","date_gmt":"2012-10-16T19:29:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.animalhealthfoundation.net\/blog\/?p=1217"},"modified":"2012-10-16T19:29:30","modified_gmt":"2012-10-16T19:29:30","slug":"canine-influenza-to-vaccinate-or-not-to-vaccinate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.animalhealthfoundation.org\/blog\/2012\/10\/canine-influenza-to-vaccinate-or-not-to-vaccinate\/","title":{"rendered":"Canine influenza: to vaccinate or not to vaccinate?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Not all dogs need the influenza vaccine, writes veterinarian Lawrence Gerson, but he says those in contact with other dogs, such as those that spend time at kennels and shows, are more at risk and therefore may be good candidates for the vaccine. The vaccine is not associated with any significant side effects, Dr. Gerson notes, adding that owners should consult with their veterinarian when deciding whether to vaccinate for influenza. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

By Lawrence Gerson, V.M.D.<\/div>\n
\n

Fall is here and flu season is just around the corner. I visited my physician\u00a0 and was vaccinated earlier in the week. Should your dog have one, too?<\/p>\n

News reports about an increase of canine flu in Pennsylvania have prompted\u00a0 calls to my office. Outbreaks in eastern and central Pennsylvania have\u00a0 veterinarians on alert. First noted at greyhound tracks years ago, this\u00a0 infectious respiratory disease was determined to be H3N8 influenza and thought\u00a0 to be a mutation of the same virus in horses.<\/p>\n

Vaccinations for canine influenza are not universally recommended at this\u00a0 point. Inquiries at local veterinary clinics and emergency services have not\u00a0 shown the canine flu to be a problem here — yet. However, owners who travel\u00a0 with their dogs, especially to dog shows or field trials, might want to ask their veterinarians for advice on whether to vaccinate. Cats are not normally\u00a0 affected.<\/p>\n

The vaccine aids in decreasing symptoms and initially is given twice at a\u00a0 three-week interval and then annually. The vaccine is safe to use without any\u00a0 significant side effects.<\/p>\n

Dogs infected with flu get a fever and nasal discharge. Pneumonia can follow\u00a0 infection and has the potential to be fatal. Infections can be severe at a\u00a0 kennel, veterinary hospital or animal shelter. Any coughing dog should be\u00a0 examined by a veterinarian.<\/p>\n

Isolation of infected or suspected dogs is critical, and outbreaks can be\u00a0 controlled by preventing additional exposure. I have heard reports of dogs\u00a0 getting ill from attending shows where widespread exposure has occurred.<\/p>\n

To get a specific diagnosis, veterinarians can send samples to labs for\u00a0 testing. Statistics from Cornell University show that 25 percent of suspected\u00a0 dogs were positive for influenza from samples submitted by Pennsylvania\u00a0 veterinarians.<\/p>\n

Unlike people, who tend to get the flu in fall or winter, dogs have less\u00a0 exposure in the cold weather. Spring would be my guess as to when canine flu\u00a0 would show up. Once dogs start to visit parks and boarding facilities, the close\u00a0 contact increases the potential for infection.<\/p>\n

The regular kennel cough vaccine for bordatella is highly recommended for\u00a0 dogs who go to kennels or have regular contact with other dogs at day care,\u00a0 parks, dog shows or field trials. Canine influenza may soon be added to the\u00a0 vaccines recommended for those dogs.<\/p>\n

This potentially serious infection deserves to be watched carefully.\u00a0 Vaccination and limiting contact with infected dogs are the best\u00a0 precautions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Lawrence Gerson is a veterinarian and\u00a0 founder of the Point Breeze Veterinary Clinic. His biweekly column is intended\u00a0 to educate pet owners. Consultation with a veterinarian is necessary to diagnose\u00a0 and treat individual pets. If you have a question you’d like addressed in Pet\u00a0 Points, email petpoints@post-gazette.com<\/a>. Please\u00a0 include name and municipality or neighborhood.<\/div>\n

Read more: https:\/\/www.post-gazette.com\/stories\/life\/pet-stories\/pet-points-should-your-dog-get-a-flu-shot-657334\/#ixzz29UZ6K17S<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Not all dogs need the influenza vaccine, writes veterinarian Lawrence Gerson, but he says those in contact with other dogs, such as those that spend time at kennels and shows, are more at risk and therefore may be good candidates for the vaccine. 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