Dear Bespoke Clients,
Recently, we have received reports that Canine Influenza has been reported in New York and New Jersey, and many of you have reached out with concern about the outbreak.
Dog flu is a relatively new disease and can be caused by two different canine influenza virus strains, H3N8 and H3N2. Both strains of dog flu virus cause respiratory disease in dogs. Affected dogs may develop coughing, nasal discharge, fever, lethargy and loss of appetite. The signs of infection are similar to those of other respiratory diseases in dogs. With proper medical attention, most dogs will recover. However, in some cases, dog flu can progress to a more severe or even life-threatening condition, such as pneumonia.
Dog flu is highly contagious, so visiting places where dogs socialize or congregate places them at higher risk. Such places include doggie day care, dog parks, groomers, boarding facilities and dog shows.
The best way to protect your dog from dog flu is through vaccination. Fortunately, there is a bivalent vaccine now available for both dog flu strains. The initial vaccination requires two doses, given 2 to 4 weeks apart. Thereafter, an annual booster is recommended for continued protection.
At this time, while we do have the vaccine on hand, we are not recommending vaccinating Fairfield County, CT dogs unless you will be traveling with them to areas where there has been an outbreak and bringing them to dog parks, dog shows, day care or into other highly dog populated areas.We are watching the flu reports closely, and will notify you if our position changes.
Bespoke clients are welcome to call 203-360-2371 or email [email protected] with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jess