Canine Influenza

This fall has brought an increased awareness of influenza to all of us. We all know about H1N1, Tamiflu and hand sanitizers. Many of us in Colorado know someone that has been sick with the flu. With the human H1N1 vaccine finally reaching the public we hope that the spread will be curtailed. We, as veterinary professionals, have also tried to make people aware of the canine influenza virus H3N8 and the differences between the “common kennel cough” and influenza. As you may have read in our blog posts, there has been an increase in “kennel cough” in our canine companions this fall. Although we do not believe that this outbreak is due to the canine influenza virus, it has prompted investigation by our doctors into vaccination for canine flu. Our concern has been with the very contagious nature of this current “cough” – what if this was influenza? Since this canine flu is a “new virus” the dog population will have no immunity to infection. Nearly 100 % of dogs exposed will become sick with either the mild form or the severe form of the flu. Like in humans, the severe form of flu can cause death, although this is rare. After collecting information from the American Animal Hospital Association and from CSU’s veterinary school vaccine task force, we have decided to begin recommending the H3N8 Canine Influenza vaccine for our canine patients that have exposure to other groups of dogs. This includes dogs at dog parks, boarding, daycare, dog shows and events and grooming.

This vaccine is a “killed” product and so there is no risk of flu infection from the vaccine. The vaccine is under a conditional license from the USDA, which means data submitted to the USDA supports a reasonable expectation of effectiveness. Safety was established in trials involving more than 700 dogs. Current recommendations are for a 2 shot booster program 3 weeks apart. Yearly booster requirement is not set at this time. We will be monitoring for and reporting any reactions to the vaccine to the USDA. If your dog has been seen by our doctors within the last 12 months and is healthy, no office visit will be required. Just like with humans – if your pet has been ill or has a chronic condition, our doctors will need to discuss the risks/benefits of vaccination.