Midwoof Diaries: Canine Influenza is on the rise
Do you like to take your dog to the dog park, hiking trails, or for walks around your neighborhood? You may want to stop these activities for a while because there is a new danger for pet owners to consider before taking their dogs into public places. Canine influenza (dog flu) is on the rise and it can be extremely dangerous to both puppies and adult dogs. There is a vaccine for this illness, but unfortunately there is a shortage of this vaccine and it is backordered in most of the pet pharmacies that we have checked. I know, big shock in 2022…another shortage that doesn’t make sense. Since we just recently heard about this issue from our own veterinarian, I wanted to bring awareness to the average pet owners that may not have been apprised of this to try to prevent your pets from being exposed and possibly contracting this illness. As dog breeders, this is especially important to us because of the increased risk to our pregnant dogs and our puppies.
It all boils down to this: Canine influenza is extremely contagious and our dogs (Pomskies and all other breeds) cannot protect themselves. It is up to us, their owners to take the proper precautions so that they do not get sick. Think of this as a dog Covid-19, except our dogs can’t wear masks, don’t wash hands, and lick each other in gross places for fun like furry toddlers with no social skills or filters.
Prevention is key.
What does prevention of Canine Influenza look like? Try to avoid large groups of unfamiliar dogs. Don’t go to the bark park, puppy plunge, trick or treating events for pets, boarding facilities (unless necessary and/or your dog has been vaccinated) or anywhere else that possible exposure may occur. If you have access to the vaccination through your vet, take advantage of this luxury because many vets cannot keep enough of the vaccine in stock to properly vaccinate all of the dogs in their care for this illness. This vaccine HAS to be administered twice, 2-4 weeks apart. Full protection does not occur until both vaccines have been given, two weeks after the second shot.
It is also important to know the symptoms of Canine Influenza in case your dog does start to exhibit signs. The symptoms are as follows:
· Cough
· Runny Nose
· Sneezing
· Lethargy
· Feeling/acting puny like he/she doesn’t feel good
· Fever
· Decreased appetite
If your dog shows signs of Canine influenza, call your veterinarian as soon as possible. Be transparent about the symptoms so that the vet can take the proper precautions so as not to expose other pets in their care. This illness is not transmissible to humans, but humans can be the catalyst of transmission from pet to pet, so veterinary professionals must be cautious.
Can dogs die from Canine Influenza? Yes, some dogs have died as a result of this illness. However, most healthy dogs recover within 2-3 weeks. Puppies, immunocompromised, elderly and pregnant dogs are the most at risk for serious complications. But with the proper preventive measures, Canine Influenza can be managed and our pets kept safe.
Resources:
https://www.avma.org/canine-influenza-faq
https://www.petnershipvet.com
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2MKqZgi9l8TfwOyj1FdA7a?si=2c69cac821114d9c
