Should Your Dog Get the Dog Flu Vaccine?
What is canine influenza (dog flu)?
Dog flu is caused by canine influenza virus strain A subtype H3N8. It is a contagious respiratory disease that is spread from dog to dog; humans can not get sick from this virus. Most dogs who are exposed to the virus have no immunity but not all dogs will get sick. 20% of dogs show no symptoms while 80% of exposed dogs may show a fever, cough and nasal discharge a few days after exposure. A small proportion of dogs, however, can develop severe disease. Of the group that shows clinical signs (cough nasal discharge and fever) 10% to 20% may go on to develop pneumonia. This group of dogs with pneumonia are the group that are at the most risk as the pneumonia may be life threatening.
Because canine influenza virus cannot easily be distinguished from other infectious causes of respiratory infection based on clinical
signs alone it is important to see your veterinarian so your dog can be examined for kennel cough and other respiratory infections. Many dogs may actually have more than one respiratory infection caused by co-mingled viral or bacterial pathogens. Some of the better-known pathogens are distemper virus, adenovirus type 2, parainfluenza, canine herpesvirus and Bordetella.
The “canine influenza virus” is an influenza A H3N8 influenza virus (not a human influenza virus) that was originally an equine (horse)
influenza virus. This virus has spread to dogs and can now spread between dogs. This is now considered a new dog-specific lineage of H3N8. The H3N8 equine influenza virus has been known to exist in horses for more than 40 years but the Dog specific was first
identified in 2005.
Should I get my dog vaccinated for the flu?
It depends. Canine influenza virus can be spread like other forms of kennel cough, direct contact with respiratory secretions from infected dogs, through the air via a cough or sneeze, and by contact with contaminated objects such as dog bowls and clothing, or by people moving between infected and uninfected dogs. However the dog flu vaccine is not the most important vaccine your dog should get.
All dog owners should be sure the rabies and other core vaccines up to date before considering the dog flu vaccine. The core vaccines are distemper virus, adenovirus type 2, parainfluenza and canine parvo virus. Other non core vaccines such as bordetella and flu may be appropriate depending on your dogs lifestyle, you should discuss non core vaccines with your veterinarian. If your dog has not been to the veterinarian in the last 6 months to 1 year now may be a good time to schedule an exam. Both core vaccines and non core vaccines can be adminstered at the same visit.
At this time the Canine Influenza vaccine is a non-core vaccine. It is also a USDA conditionally licensed vaccine. This means that the USDA has a reasonable expectation of efficacy. During the conditional license period, the manufacture of the vaccine will have to submit data to support the performance of the vaccine. Ultimately the government regulators at the USDA will determine whether a regular product license may be issued.
If you have further questions about Dog Flu or any other veterinary related questions, please call Dr. Borgman at 407-330-7387.