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Nov 05
2017

With the arrival of the recent Canine Influenza outbreak to Texas, we wanted to give our clients some resources on the virus: what it is, symptoms to watch out for, and how to prevent it.

The American Veterinary Medical Association has created a Pet Owner Guide and it is a great handout with all of the pertinent information about the virus. Merck Animal Health has also created an entire website devoted to keeping pet owners informed about this virus. Please check these out and call us if you have any questions.

Quick Facts from VPAH:

• Dogs who go on walks with their owners, go to pet stores, play at parks (human and dog), or regularly attend day care or boarding are at risk.
• The virus is transmitted by direct contact, coughing/barking/sneezing, contaminated objects (like toys and water bowls), and people moving between infected and uninfected animals.
• Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, lethargy, decreased appetite, fever, and eye or nasal discharge.
• The virus can be prevented by a vaccine, WHICH WE CARRY! We carry the bivalent vaccine, which means it protects against the two known and isolated strains of Canine Influenza.
• Treatment is much more expensive than the cost of the vaccine. Often, dogs will develop secondary infections to the virus, which will only add to the cost of treatment.

Call us today to schedule an appointment for your pet to receive the Canine Influenza Vaccine.