What you need to know:

 December, 2009

　The Virus

• Canine Influenza (CIV) is a virus of dogs, first identified in racing Greyhounds in Florida.
• It causes sneezing and coughing which can last for weeks.
• Most dogs recover without complications.
• In some cases it can lead to pneumonia.
• Rarely, it can cause death.

 How Dogs Get It

• It is highly contagious between dogs.
• The highest risk is for dogs housed in communal facilities such as shelters, canine day cares, pet stores, grooming salons, racing greyhound kennels, dog shows, etc.
• The incubation period is less than 5 days.
• Dogs can spread the virus for only 10 days after exposure, so if you acquire a dog from a shelter, rescue, pet shop etc. keep your new dog away from other dogs for 2 weeks.
• Exposed dogs can pass the virus on even if they aren’t sick.

Is It Canine Influenza?

• Most cases of coughing dogs are NOT Canine Influenza.
• Specific tests are available, but not always accurate.
• Call us if your dog is sneezing or coughing.

Control & Prevention

• Isolate exposed & sick dogs from healthy dogs for 2 weeks.
• The virus is easily carried on hands & clothes, so wash hands well.
• The virus is easily killed with soap and water and most household disinfectants.

A New Vaccine

• A conditional vaccine is available. Conditional means that the vaccine has not yet completed final testing by the United Stated Department of Agriculture.
• It does at this time, however, appear to be safe.
• The vaccine does NOT prevent infection in exposed dogs. It is an "Aid in the control of disease". The vaccine reduces the severity and length of the disease. The vaccine also lessens the amount of virus that an exposed dog sheds to other dogs.
• The manufacturer calls for 2 injections given 2 – 4 weeks apart.
• Highest protection levels are reached 2 weeks after the second dose. Only 40% of dogs get good protection levels 3 weeks after the first dose.
• Therefore, for optimum protection, plan on giving the first injection one month before any possible exposure & the second injection 2 weeks before possible exposure.

Should Your Dog Get The Vaccine?

• If you feel that your dog is at risk, you should consider vaccination and ask us about it.
• Remember that the vaccine is conditional, but so far it does appear to be safe.