Canine Influenza A virus (known as H3N8) is highly contagious and can only affect dogs.
It is a relatively new virus so dogs have no natural immunity and virtually every dog
that comes into contact with it will become infected unless they have already had the illness and recovered.
Numerous reports from vet hospitals, kennels, and shelters can be traced back to one dog that infected the whole facility.
Only about 80% of dogs will show signs of the infection. The most common sign is a
persistent cough, either a moist "productive" cough or a dry cough similar to kennel cough.
This makes it hard to diagnose canine influenza versus kennel cough. Other signs include
fever, nasal discharge, lethargy, loss of appetite and a cough lasting up to a month.
Signs are usually mild in about 80% of dogs but can be very serious in others. Serious
signs can include a fever over 104 degress and pneumonia.
Canine influenza is spread through direct contact, through the air (coughing or sneezing), or by
contaminated clothing, hands, and other surfaces. As with other viral illnesses, there is no specific
treatment and the illness must run its course.
A new vaccine is available to reduce the severity of the influenza and the length of sickness.
he initial vaccination requires 2 doses given 2-4 weeks apart followed by annual vaccination.
If your pet currently boards, visits a groomer, goes to the dog park, attends training classes,
or is exposed to any other dogs outside of your family, please discuss your pets' risk and the
canine influenza vaccine with your veterinarian.
Every spring there are hundreds of wildlife babies found that are not yet ready to face life on their
own. Many have simply fallen from their nest, some have become prey for our domestic pets and
others have fallen victim to the ever-increasing human/wildlife conflict. Triangle Wildlife Rehabilitation
Clinic is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing care for sick, injured or orphaned native
North American wildlife and returning them to their natural habitat. Their clinic is staffed with an
experienced wildlife veterinarian, licensed wildlife rehabilitators with years of experience and dozens
of trained volunteers who are dedicated to their mission. TWRC is licensed by US Fish and Wildlife Services.
There is no cost for their services, but donations are always welcome and are fully tax deductible.
Please visit their website at http://www.trianglewildlife.org to learn more about
their organization or contact them at (919) 544-3330.
