Beginning April 1, 2010 Hannah’s House will be requiring all Boarding and Daycare dogs be vaccinated against Canine Influenza Virus. Out breaks of CIV have been experienced in several Kennels and Shelters throughout the country over the past few years. Due to the seriousness of this virus, we believe it is in the best interest for the health of your pet to be proactive in preventing outbreaks in our facility. We appreciate your cooperation in our efforts. Below is more info on the Canine Influenza Virus (known as CIV or H3N8), should you have any further questions please feel free to call our office or contact your veterinarian.

Canine Inluenza Virus
What is cainine influenza?
Canine Influenza is a newly emerging infectious disease caused by a “flu”virus. In dogs , a highly contagious strain of influenza A virus known as H3N8 is able to cause respiratory illness. Other strains of influenza A virus are responsible for causing infections in birds, horses, pigs and people.
How contagious is Canine Influenza?
Just like human “flu”, canine influenza is highly contagious. In fact, unless a dog has already had the virus and recovered. Virtually every dog exposed to the virus will become infected. This is because the virus is relatively new, and dogs have no natural immunity to it. While 100% of dogs are susceptible to influenza infection, about 80% of infected dogs will show signs of infection. Dogs that do not show signs of the disease can still spread the virus to other dogs.
Since 2003, there have been numerous reports of influenza outbreaks in veterinary clinics, kennels, and shelters. Some of these outbreaks were traced back to the presence of one sick dog that spread the virus throughout the facility infecting many other dogs.

What are the signs of canine influenza?
The most common sign of canine influenza is a persistent cough. Some dogs have a soft, moist,”productive” cough, while others have a dry cough similar to that seen is dogs with kennel cough- a respitory condition that is caused by any number of other viruses and bacteria. It’s this similarity to kennel cough that makes it hard for veterinarians to diagnose which illness your dog has. About 80% of dogs who show signs of influenza will have a mild disease. Signs in this case include low-grade fever, nasal discharge, lack of energy, loss of appetite, and cough that can last for up to a month.

How serious is canine influenza?
Canine influenza is usually mild but can become quite serious is some dogs. In about 20% of the cases, more severe signs will occur, such as a high fever (104 F to 106 F)and pneumonia. A small number of dogs infected with the virus have died from complications associated with the disease.

How is canine influenza infection diagnosed?
It’s hard to diagnose canine influenza. Many times it can be confused with kennel cough because the signs are very similar.Often canine influenza is not suspected until the illness become unusally severe or lasts an unusally long time. Your veterinarian may collect blood or nasal swab samples, however, these laboratory tests may not confirm canine influenza infection because the sample must be taken at the appropriate time in the course of your dog’s illness. If your dog has a history of being exposed to other dogs with canine influenza, it is resonable to suspect that your dog has something more than oridinary kennel cough.

Is my dog st risk for infection?
Most dogs, regardless of breed or age, are at risk for canine influenza. However, certain venues and activities can raise your dog’s risk ofexposure. Review a list of questions and see of any of these places or activities apply to your pet.
Does Your Dog:
*Come from a shelter, rescue center, breeding kennel, or pet store?
*Board at a kennel or attend doggie daycare?
*Attend group training or “puppy kindergarten”?
*Visit dog parks or engage with other dogs on daily walks?
*Enter dog events?
*Come in contact with other dogs in the waiting room during visits to your veterinary clinic?

How is canine influenza spread?
Canine influenza is spread through direct contact(licking,nuzzling,smelling etc.) through the air (coughing or sneezing) and via contaminated surfaces ( such as when a person picks up the virua on their hands or clothing then touches or pets the dog). Spread can also occur if that same person touches and contaminates another surface( a doorknob, for example).

What can be done if my dog become infected?
There is currently no specific treatment for canine influenza. As with all viral illnesses, the disease must run its course. Supportive care, such as providing a good diet and making sure your dog’s body has enough fluids, can help your dog fight the infection. A little extra TLC can go a long way. Sometimes canine influenza infection can become complicated by secondary bacterial infections. One sign of this is yellow-green, thick nasal discharge which your veterinarian may treat with antibiotics. The copughing that comes with the illness is actually the body’s way of getting rid of the virus. If the cough is moist and productive, you should try not to stop it with cough suppressants. Human “flu” medicines should not be given to your dog because they have not been studied or approved for use in dogs.

How can I protect my dog from canine influenza?
Protection starts by keeping your dog in good general health. A well-nourished, well-rested, and well-cared for pet will have a stronger immune system to help fight off infection. When you must board your pet, make sure the facility is clean, well-maintained, and that there is an influenza outbreak management plan in place.
Recently, a new canine influenza vaccine---the first of its kind----was approved for use in the U.S. Canine Influenza Vaccine, H3N8 from Intervet/Shering Plough Animal Health has been clincally proven to significantly reduce the severity of influenza and the length of time that a dog is sick. The initial vaccination requires 2 doses, 2-4 weeks apart, followed by annual revaccination. If your dog is presently being vaccinated for kennel cough (Bordetella) it is likely canidate for the Canine Influenza Vaccine.
Your veterinarian can advise you whether this new vaccine should be added to your dog’s vaccination schedule.

Is the new vaccine safe?
The new vaccine was proven safe and well tolerated in over 700 dogs. There were over 30 breeds ranging in age from 6 weeks to 10 years old.

Where can I learn more about canine influenza?
Your veterinarian is the best person to answer any further questions you have about canine influenza. In addition, you may find it helpful to explore these websites for more information:
www.doginfluenza.com
AVMA
Shelter Medicine