Jacksonville Veterinary | Jacksonville Canine Flu | FL | Parkway Animal Hospital |

We were featured in a story on the Canine Influenza virus on News 4 jax that brought new awareness to this virus.

http://www.news4jax.com/news/25835562/detail.html

Did you know dogs could get the flu just like people?

It is a NEW virus to dogs discovered in 2004 when a large number of greyhounds died in South Florida. 

The virus is scary because for most dogs the symptoms are similar to kennel cough:

•      Fever
•      Coughing
•      Sneezing                                                                           
•      Discharge from eyes and nose
•      Just not feeling well     
                                                   

But for some dogs, the virus can lead to pneumonia and even death!

The virus is easily spread and can live on surfaces for up to 12 hours. It is spread by:

•      Dogs coughing or sneezing around each other (did you know a dog sneeze could travel 20 feet!)
•      Nose to nose contact
•      Human can transmit dog to dog
•      Dogs coming in contact with infected surfaces

The dogs at risk - old and young are at risk for more severe forms of disease

•      Dogs the board
•      Dogs that get groomed
•      Dogs that go to dog parks or pet stores
•      Dogs that travel with owners
•      All competing dogs - show, agility, dock jumping,

What you need to know about the vaccine:

•      It does not prevent the disease
•      It will lessen the symptoms and decrease risk of pneumonia
•      Initially it is a series of 2 vaccines 2-3 weeks apart
•      Then it is an annual vaccine - like your own flu shot

For more information, try these web sites:

http://www.doginfluenza.com/owners/

http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/canine_guidelines.asp