Blog CANINE INFLUENZA

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT CANINE INFLUENZA
Recent television and news articles have created some misleading information about Canine influenza.

FACT:

1. Canine Flu has been around and affecting dogs in Florida since 2004
2. Canine Flu is a highly contagious respiratory infection of dogs that is caused by a virus.
3. The incubation period is 2-5 days from exposure to onset of clinical signs.
4. There is no way to distinguish canine influenza from respiratory disease caused by other infections based on clinical signs alone.  At this time, confirmation of canine influenza relies on paired serum samples.
5. Dogs suffering with the mild form of canine influenza develop a soft, moist cough that persists for 10 to 30 days and may also have a thick nasal discharge, which is usually caused by a secondary bacterial infection.
6. Dogs with the severe form of canine influenza develop high fevers (104ºF to 106ºF) and have clinical signs of pneumonia, such as increased respiratory rates and effort. Pneumonia may be due to a secondary bacterial infection.
7. Fatal cases of pneumonia resulting from infection with canine influenza virus have been reported in dogs, but the fatality rate (5% to 8%) has been low so far.
8. VIP has not ever had any documented cases of Canine Flu

VIP has taken the following measures to reduce the risk of potential infection for our guests:

1. We use bleach and other AVMA recommended cleansers in all facility disinfection/sanitization
2. We require all guests to be current on vaccinations scheduled by their veterinarian for Rabies, Distemper, Parvo and Bordatella
3. We proactively monitor all new arrivals and existing guests for any sign of potential illness
4. We use Ionic and Ozone Blue light Anti bacteria scrubbers in our AC Systems to further clean and freshen the air in the facility
5. VIP’s hotel, daycare and grooming areas all have separate air conditioning and ventilation systems
6. We regularly change all air filters on all air conditioning equipment
7. In addition to our AC systems we have exchange/exhaust fans
8. If a guest is coughing or sneezing, VIP takes the following actions:
   1. The guest is moved to an isolation area away from other guests
   2. The owner is called to pick up the guest
   3. The dog is examined by a veterinarian

WE RECOMMEND THAT ALL CLIENTS SPEAK WITH THEIR VETERINARIAN ABOTH THE CANINE FLU VACCINATION AND HAE IT ADMINISTERED AS A PREVENTATIVE
Based on the information available, there is no reason to deny your dog the fun and excitement of VIP’s daycare and hotel services. However, we do recommend that clients should be extra vigilant, if there any signs of coughing or sneezing, have your dog seen by your Veterinarian.

Do I need to be concerned about putting my dog in day care or boarding it at a kennel?
Dog owners should be aware that any situation that brings dogs together increases the risk of spread of communicable illnesses. As long as good infection control practices are in place, pet owners should not be overly concerned about putting dogs in training facilities, dog parks, kennels, or other areas frequented by dogs.
* Source of information the American Veterinary Medicine Association.

LOCAL VETS WITH THE VACCINE
– El Cid Animal Clinic – 561- 832-7922
– Island Animal Hospital – 561-833-8552
– Banfield – 561-712-4843
– Canal Animal Hospital – 561-582-3595
– South Dixie Animal Hospital – 561-585-0097
– Shores Animal Hospital – 561-964-4488

Additional Information: http://www.freshfromflorida.com/News-Events/Press-Releases/2017-Press-Releases/First-Cases-of-H3N2-Dog-Flu-Confirmed-in-Florida