Dog Flu Has Spread To Southern States; Vet Says To Vaccinate Dogs At Risk

An update to a story we brought you in April: canine influenza has spread to southern states; a local vet says to vaccinate any dogs at risk.

According to the Drs. Guidry at Guidry Animal Hospital in Carencro, Canine Influenza, or Dog Flu (which had a severe outbreak in the Chicago area earlier in the year) has spread to the southern states.

From the Guidry Animal Hospital Facebook page:

As most of our clients know, we try to keep vaccinations to the minimum that is required, depending on each patient's unique needs. However, because of the spread of canine influenza to southern states, we are now providing the vaccine TO DOGS THAT ARE AT RISK. These are mostly the pets that are already receiving the Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccination because of exposure to large groups of other dogs through boarding, grooming, etc. The available vaccine is NOT against the strain that is causing the current outbreak, but it has been shown to provide some benefit to dogs that have the flu (they are less sick, for less time). Please contact our office for more information or to schedule your dog's flu vaccination at 706-8387. Also, please note that the first vaccination must be boostered one time. After that, the flu vaccination is once per year.

TL;DR:  Basically, if your dog comes into contact with other dogs, you should consult your veterinarian about the influenza vaccination.

If you have any questions about your dog's level of risk, the side effects of the vaccination or symptoms of canine influenza (dog flu), call Dr. Guidry at 337-706-VETS (8387).

(Facebook)