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Canine Flu Vaccine Info

Canine flu is a respiratory virus similar to Kennel cough. It usually is a mild disease, but can (in high risk populations, in less than 1% of dogs who get it) cause pneumonia.

It is not considered a "Core" vaccine - in other words, it is not recommended in all animals, but should be considered if the flu is found in the area, and the animals are at high risk (shelter animals). There have been no confirmed cases in this area.

A vaccine is now available, but it is unknown how effective and safe it is. It seems to reduce the severity of signs and duration of cough, but does not prevent the disease. (We do not currently carry the vaccine.)

As with any vaccine, we should evaluate the risks and benefits of any vaccine for each individual animal, especially with a new vaccine. When the vaccines first undergo testing, there is a very limited population of animals it is tested on. Once the vaccines have been out for a period of time in the general population, we can often get a better idea of risks and benefits.