Sarah Bennett
Canine influenza, or the dog flu, is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can affect dogs. The disease is caused by two different strains of influenza, H3N8 and H3N2, which can act very differently from each other. The good news is that there are now vaccines available for both strains. While these vaccines may not prevent infection, they can substantially reduce the severity and duration of illness, as well as the risk of transmission. The vaccination protocol typically involves two initial doses of the vaccine, followed by a yearly booster shot. Dogs that frequent communal activities, such as dog parks, grooming shops, and boarding facilities, are at a higher risk of contracting canine influenza and may benefit the most from vaccination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vaccines available | YES |
| Strains | H3N8, H3N2 |
| Vaccination protocol | Two doses two to four weeks apart, with revaccination within one year after the second dose. Subsequent boosters are given annually. |
| Effectiveness | Does not prevent infection but reduces severity and duration of illness, as well as viral shedding. |
| Risk factors | Dogs that frequent dog parks, daycare facilities, grooming shops, boarding facilities, events, and other places where dogs congregate. Dogs that travel are also at higher risk. |
| Symptoms | Cough, lethargy, fever, decreased appetite, runny eyes/nose, possible vomiting |
| Complications | Secondary bacterial infections in 10-20% of cases, leading to pneumonia |
| Case fatality rate | 1-5% |
| Incubation period | 2-4 days, up to 5 days for H3N8 |
| Contagious period | Up to 10 days for H3N8, up to 26 days for H3N2, up to 20 days in general |
| Treatment | Supportive treatment, good nutrition, and husbandry |
| Prevention | Vaccination, sanitation, isolation of infected dogs |
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What You'll Learn
Dogs at risk of canine influenza
Owners of dogs that board, groom, attend training classes, or go to daycare or dog parks should consider vaccinating their dogs. Dogs that travel or are exposed to other dogs through activities or places where dogs congregate may also benefit from vaccination.
Indoor dogs with little exposure to other dogs are at a lower risk of contracting canine influenza than show dogs that travel, are kenneled, or encounter other dogs frequently. Dogs with respiratory or heart disease and breeds with short, flat faces are also at a higher risk of infection and complications and should consider vaccination.
The risk of contracting canine influenza is higher in areas where outbreaks have occurred. Dogs in these areas should be vaccinated to help reduce the spread of the virus.
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How to vaccinate dogs
Vaccinating dogs is an important step in keeping them healthy and happy. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to vaccinate dogs against canine influenza, also known as the "dog flu":
Step 1: Consult a Veterinarian
Before vaccinating your dog, it is essential to consult a veterinarian. They can advise on the appropriate vaccination protocol and assess your dog's overall health to ensure it is safe to administer the vaccine. Veterinarians can also provide valuable information about the specific vaccine, its potential side effects, and post-vaccination care.
Step 2: Assess Your Dog's Risk Factors
Consider your dog's lifestyle and exposure to potential risks. Dogs that frequently visit dog parks, daycare facilities, grooming salons, boarding facilities, or participate in events and social activities, are at a higher risk of contracting canine influenza. If your dog interacts with other dogs or spends time in communal spaces, vaccination is highly recommended.
Step 3: Understand the Vaccination Protocol
The recommended protocol for canine influenza vaccination typically involves two doses of the vaccine. These doses are usually administered two to four weeks apart. After the initial vaccinations, a booster shot is required within one year, followed by subsequent annual boosters to maintain immunity. It is important to follow this protocol for effective protection against the virus.
Step 4: Administer the Vaccine
The vaccine can be administered by a veterinarian or, in some cases, by a trained technician. They will inject the vaccine, typically in the dog's shoulder or hind leg area, following standard sterile procedures. This process is typically quick and relatively painless for the dog.
Step 5: Monitor Your Dog Post-Vaccination
After vaccination, it is important to monitor your dog for any adverse reactions. Mild side effects, such as soreness at the injection site, lethargy, or decreased appetite, are not uncommon and usually resolve within a day or two. However, if your dog exhibits more severe or prolonged symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Step 6: Preventative Measures and Isolation
Even after vaccination, it is crucial to continue practising good sanitation and hygiene. Additionally, if your dog shows any signs of illness, keep them isolated from other dogs and cats for at least four weeks. This precautionary measure helps prevent the potential spread of the virus, even if your dog has been vaccinated.
It is important to note that while canine influenza vaccines significantly reduce the severity and duration of illness, they may not prevent infection entirely. However, vaccination provides crucial protection against the virus and helps reduce the risk of serious health complications.
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Effectiveness of the vaccine
The canine influenza vaccine, also known as the dog flu shot, is available to help protect dogs against the virus. The vaccine works by stimulating a dog's immune system to help build immunity against the flu virus. While it does not offer 100% protection, it can greatly reduce the risk of infection and lessen the severity of symptoms. Vaccinated dogs that do become infected are also less contagious to other dogs.
The vaccine targets both known strains of the virus: H3N8 and H3N2. There is a bivalent vaccine that protects against both strains and a monovalent vaccine that guards against a single strain. The bivalent vaccine may be preferred as it may provide broader immunity. The vaccination requires two initial sets of injections given two to four weeks apart, followed by a yearly booster. It takes three to four weeks for the vaccines to provide immunity.
Dogs that regularly interact with other dogs may be particularly vulnerable to the virus due to its highly contagious nature. Dogs that participate in events and social activities, such as dog parks, grooming shops, daycare, and boarding facilities, are at a higher risk of exposure and may benefit from the added protection of the vaccine.
The cost of the vaccine can vary but typically ranges from $46 to $60. Pet insurance can help alleviate some of the financial strain of vaccinating pets, along with covering other preventative care costs.
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History of the vaccine
The history of the vaccine for canine influenza, or dog flu, dates back to the emergence of the virus in North American dogs in 2004. The first cases of canine influenza virus (CIV) subtype H3N8 were observed in racing greyhounds in Florida, with the virus causing respiratory illness and fatalities. This marked the discovery of an influenza A virus capable of infecting dogs.
In the following years, efforts were made to develop a vaccine to protect dogs from this new threat. The first influenza vaccine for dogs, an inactivated vaccine targeting the CIV subtype H3N8, was conditionally approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in May 2009 and fully licensed in June 2010. This vaccine was designed to reduce the severity of illness and protect dogs from the H3N8 strain of the virus.
As canine influenza continued to evolve and spread, a new variant, H3N2, emerged in South Korea and southern China in 2006. This strain was believed to have originated from avian influenza and posed a new challenge in the fight against canine influenza. In 2015, an outbreak of H3N2 was reported in Chicago, marking the first appearance of this strain in the United States.
To address the evolving nature of canine influenza, vaccine manufacturers adapted their products. In 2015, Merck Animal Health made its monovalent H3N2 vaccine available to protect dogs against the emerging epidemic. The following year, in 2016, they received a full license for a bivalent vaccine capable of protecting against both the H3N8 and H3N2 strains. This vaccine, Nobivac NXT canine flu, is built on RNA-particle technology and provides protection against the prevalent canine influenza strains.
Today, canine influenza vaccines are widely recommended by veterinarians, especially for dogs that frequently participate in social activities and are at higher risk of exposure. The vaccination protocol typically involves two initial sets of vaccinations followed by yearly booster shots to maintain immunity against the virus. These vaccines have been shown to reduce the severity of clinical disease, viral shedding, and lung lesions in infected dogs, making them a crucial tool in the prevention and management of canine influenza.
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Where to get the vaccine
There are several options for where to get the canine influenza vaccine. One option is to visit a veterinarian, who can administer the vaccine and provide advice on the appropriate vaccines for your dog based on their lifestyle. Many veterinarians recommend getting the vaccine for canine influenza, especially for dogs that participate in group activities and are therefore at higher risk.
Another option is to visit a specialised veterinary clinic, such as a Vetco Vaccination Clinic or a Petco Vaccination Clinic, which often offer dog and puppy vaccinations. These clinics can provide information on the necessary vaccinations for your dog and schedule booster appointments as needed.
Additionally, some retailers, like Petco, offer dog and puppy vaccines in their stores. They can help with initial puppy vaccinations as well as annual vaccines for adult dogs.
It is also possible to get the vaccine at certain dog care facilities, such as the Animal Care Hospital, where it is recommended for dogs that are boarding or using their grooming services.
In terms of administration, the recommended protocol for the canine influenza vaccine is two doses two to four weeks apart, followed by revaccination within one year. A yearly booster is then required to maintain immunity.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are vaccines available for both the H3N8 and H3N2 strains of canine influenza.
Canine influenza, or dog flu, is a contagious respiratory disease that can be spread through respiratory secretions such as sneezing, coughing, and nasal discharge. It can also be spread through contaminated objects such as food and water bowls.
While the vaccines do not completely prevent infection, they can substantially reduce the severity and duration of illness, as well as viral shedding.
Dogs should receive two initial sets of vaccinations given two to four weeks apart, followed by a yearly booster to maintain protection.
There have been no reported issues with the CIV vaccination to date. However, as with any vaccine, there is a small risk of side effects, and you should consult your veterinarian to determine if the vaccine is suitable for your dog.
