February is dental month, and we offer a special promotion of 10% off your pet's dental bill.
Due to high demand, we are extending this discount from January 15th through March 31st. Make
your pet's appointment for a bright smile early, as spots fill up very quickly!
Canine Influenza Season
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 naturally immunity and virtually every dogs
that comes into contact with it will become infected unless they have already had the illness and recovered.
Only 80% will show signs of infection. 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.
