Search Results for ‘canine influenza’

By Dr. Maria Krenz, DVM – ZimmVet-763-856-4848

Canine influenza, or dog flu, has been in the news on and off when outbreaks occur. Recently there was an out break in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area that affected many. Make sure your dog is protected from the flu with the Canine Influenza Vaccination.

Spread of Dog Flu

Dog Flu is spread by direct dog-to-dog contact. The secretions from infected dogs coughing and sneezing can stay on objects and people that healthy pets may come in contact with. The virus is active in the environment for up to 48 hours, however, disinfectants can kill the virus. The flu is not seasonal, but can be contracted year round.

Signs and Treatments

Signs of Dog Flu may be mild to severe, but it can also be deadly. The signs of Dog Flu can look like other respiratory diseases such as kennel cough. Signs of Dog Flu can develop 2-4 days after exposure to an infected dog and illness may last up to 2-3 weeks. Signs can include:

• coughing
• sneezing
• nasal discharge
• eye discharge
• decreased appetite
• lethargy
• Fever
• In severe cases, a secondary bacterial infection can cause pneumonia. These pets have high fevers and trouble breathing.

Treatment includes antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections, fluids for dehydration, medication to reduce fever and nutritional supplements.  If you notice any signs of illness, make an appointment with your veterinarian for an examination as soon as possible.

What dogs are at Risk?

Pets that are around other dogs are at higher risk of contracting canine influenza. Examples are pets that stay in a pet hotel, dog daycare, training class, dog parks and grooming facilities. Young and Senior Pets, along with pets that have medical conditions that affect their immune systems, are at higher risk of getting severe forms of the dog Flu.

Vaccination

A vaccination for Dog Flu is available. Dogs have no natural immunity to Dog Flu since it is a newer virus. The current vaccination is for both the H3N8 and H3N2 strains. If this is the first time your dog is getting the vaccination, it will need to be boostered in 3-4 weeks and then given yearly. This vaccination is recommended for dogs that are around other dogs frequently. This vaccination is available at ZimmVet. For more information on vaccines visit https://www.zimmvet.com/blog/canine-vaccine-overview/

In conclusion

As long as the facility you are bringing your pet to have good sanitation methods and protocols for disease outbreaks in place, you do not need to be overly concerned about bringing your pet around other dogs such as a Pet Hotel or Daycare. It is best practice that dog facilities require the flu vaccination to keep dogs healthy. If you are wanting more information you can visit the CDC website https://www.cdc.gov/flu/other/canine-flu/keyfacts.html.

**Disclaimer: This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice. Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

By Dr. Maria Krenz, DVM – ZimmVet-763-856-4848

Canine Vaccine Overview

Vaccines are an important part of keeping our furry friends healthy. In some cases, vaccines can even prevent people from contracting diseases from their pet. Pet owners should rely on their veterinary team to tell them what is best to protect your pet.  Here is overview of some of the most common vaccines.

Core Vaccination – All dogs should receive these vaccines.

Rabies is a virus and is transmitted in saliva through a bite or cut. Dogs commonly contract rabies from wildlife such as bats, raccoons and fox. Rabies is deadly to the pet once contracted and can be spread to people. About 500 pets each year contract rabies in the United States. This rate is low due to vaccination. Worldwide about 59,000 people die from rabies every year. Rabies vaccination is given once as a puppy and every three years as an adult. Rabies vaccination is required by law. Read more about rabies at: https://www.avma.org/resources/public-health/rabies-and-your-pet

Distemper vaccination is a combination vaccination consisting of distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. These diseases can cause severe illness and death. These diseases are contracted by contacting another dog or wild animal (fox, coyote) with the disease. This vaccination is given as a series to puppies usually at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age. It is given every three years to adult dogs. Read more about distemper virus at: https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/canine-distemper.

Risk-Based Vaccinations – Given to dogs, based on their lifestyle.

All risk-based vaccinations are an initial vaccine, followed by a booster vaccination 3-4 weeks later. They are given yearly once the initial booster series is completed.

Vaccinations for respiratory diseases are given when a dog will be around other dogs outside your household. Common scenarios are dogs that go to a pet groomer, training class, dog daycare, boarding facility, dog parks, visiting friends’ dogs, or are active around other dogs in your neighborhood. If you have one dog that is at higher risk, all the dogs in your household should receive respiratory vaccinations. The two vaccinations are bordetella and influenza. These are very contagious diseases spread in respiratory secretions and can cause serious illness. It is important to do both vaccinations to get the best coverage for the common respiratory diseases for your pet. Read more about canine flu on the AVMA and CDC websites along with: https://www.dogflu.com/

Certain vaccinations are given to protect your pet if they have an outdoor lifestyle. The Zimmerman area has a very high rate of lyme disease and leptospirosis because of great outdoor natural resources. Both diseases can cause serious symptoms, including kidney failure and death.  Dogs contract lyme disease from ticks. Using tick prevention products is not enough to protect your pet against lyme disease. 

Leptospirosis is shed in the urine of animals, especially wild animals, but also other dogs. Common areas of risk are any areas where wildlife frequent. Leptospirosis is also common in city areas with rats being the main culprit. In the past, leptospirosis was thought to only be spread through water, but this has been proven to no longer be the case. Leptospirosis vaccination is also very important because this disease can be spread to people.

Vaccine technology is safe for pets

Some people may be concerned about vaccination reactions. The good news is that vaccines have gotten safer and cause a very low rate of side effects. The most common side effect of vaccinations, like people, is injection site soreness. This is prevented by having your veterinarian prescribe pain medication the day of vaccination and the day after.

Disclaimer:  This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice.  Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

by Katie Meneses, HR Manager

We put out blog posts every month of the year, covering pet topics from veterinary care, to general pet topics. Let’s look back through 2023 at some of our top posts with our Year in Review!

Year in Review Number Five – Why Grooming Your Dog is Important

Number five on the list of blogs is Why Grooming Your Dog is Important. This blog covers the different aspects of dog grooming, and why each one is important to your dogs health and general wellbeing. From nail trims, to taking care of their skin and the fur coat they wear, this article covers it all!

Number Four – Leptospirosis: A Risk to Pets and People!

Number four, is our article this year about Leptospirosis. Leptospirosis, or Lepto, is an illness that can effect both people and pets alike. This article warns about the ways you can get infected, typically in area’s with high levels of wildlife, and drinking, swimming, or walking through contaminated water and soil. Your dog can also pass it to you directly if they catch it from playing in some mud. This blog does over the symptoms of Lepto, as well as treatment and prevention through vaccination.

Number Three – Canine Influenza

Coming in at number three is our blog about canine influenza. Last year, Minnesota had an outbreak of canine influenza, centered primarily around the Twin Cities. We shared important information about how it spreads, as well as the signs and treatments through this blog post. The post also discusses prevention through vaccination, helping to protect your dog from illness.

Number Two – Get Your Dog Ready for Hunting Season

A big part of Minnesotan life is covered in our number two blog for this year, hunting season! Many people have dogs that they train and take out hunting with them every year. This article covers the important steps to take to keep your hunting companion protected and safe. From parasite protection, to vaccination, and exercise, this blog covers all the ways to keep your hunting dog healthy!

Year in Review Number One – Pet Arthritis is Common and Treatable

Finally, our number one blog for this year, is Pet Arthritis is Common and Treatable. Arthritis is a very common illness among pets. Cats and dogs alike can suffer from arthritis, starting at early ages. However, we have had new medications released in the last two years, plus pain management and other treatments available. This blog covers it all, from diagnosis to treatments.

Which of these blogs interests you the most? Keep an eye out for more educational blogs from ZimmVet in 2024!

Disclaimer: This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice. Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.