Canine Influenza Information
Canine Influenza, or Dog Flu, is a contagious respiratory disease affecting dogs - not humans. The 'dog influenza virus' is a Type A influenza virus that orginiated as an equine (horse) flu virus. It has now spread to dogs and can spread from dog to dog when they are in direct contact of an infected dog's sneeze or cough, or from an contaminated dog bowl, and even from the clothes of their owners.
Dog Flu Symptoms
Because this is a relatively new cause of disease in dogs - almost all dogs that are exposed to the virus will become infected, but only 4 out 5 of the dogs will show symptoms. It is important to note that even the dogs that don't show symptoms may still be carriers of the virus and could spread the infection to other canines.
Symptoms are similar to what we humans suffer with:
- Coughing
- Runny Nose
- Fever
Canine Influenza Vaccine is available now
In May 2009, the USDA approved the licensing of the first influenza vaccine for dogs. Like the human flu virus, the canine influenza vaccine contains the inactivated whole virus.
The vaccine is intended as an aid in the control of disease associated with dog flu virus infection. Although the vaccine may not prevent infection altogether, early trials have shown that the vaccination may significantly reduce the severity and duration of clinical illness, including the incidence and severity of damage to the lungs. In addition, the vaccine reduces the amount of virus shed and shortens the shedding interval. This means that vaccinated dogs that become infected develop less severe illness and are less likely to spread the virus to other dogs.
YES, we carry the dog influenza vaccine! - Get your dog checked today! Call us at 813-684-7387 if you have any questions or to schedule an appointment.
Read more about the canine influenza virus at these resources -
www.avma.org
Dog Flu Information PDF
Be Prepared for a Poison Emergency:
Your animal may become poisoned in spite of your best efforts to secure your home. Because of this, we urge you to be prepared.
Your animal companion should regularly be seen by a local veterinarian to maintain overall health. Know your vet's procedures for emergency situations, especially ones that occur after usual business hours. Keep phone numbers for the veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, and a local emergency veterinary service in a convenient location.
Poison Safety Kit:
Always keep a pet safety kit on hand for emergencies. Such a kit should contain:
- A fresh bottle of hydrogen peroxide 3% (USP)
- Can of soft dog or cat food, as appropriate.
- Turkey baster, bulb syringe or large medical syringe.
- Saline eye solution to flush out eye contaminants.
- Artificial tear gel to lubricate eyes after flushing.
- Mild grease-cutting dishwashing liquid for the animal after skin contamination.
- Rubber gloves.
- Forceps to remove stingers.
- Muzzle. An excited animal may harm you.
- Pet carrier.
Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center : (888) 426-4435
When you call the center, be ready to provide:
- Your name, address and telephone number.
- Information concerning the exposure (the amount of agent, the time since exposure, etc.
- If you know-what poison the animal was exposed to (have the product container packaging available for reference.)
- The species, breed, age, sex, weight and number of animals involved.
- The symptoms your animal is experiencing.
Canine Influenza Information
Canine Influenza, or Dog Flu, is a contagious respiratory disease affecting dogs - not humans. The 'dog influenza virus' is a Type A influenza virus that orginiated as an equine (horse) flu virus. It has now spread to dogs and can spread from dog to dog when they are in direct contact of an infected dog's sneeze or cough, or from an contaminated dog bowl, and even from the clothes of their owners.
Dog Flu Symptoms
Because this is a relatively new cause of disease in dogs - almost all dogs that are exposed to the virus will become infected, but only 4 out 5 of the dogs will show symptoms. It is important to note that even the dogs that don't show symptoms may still be carriers of the virus and could spread the infection to other canines.
Symptoms are similar to what we humans suffer with:
- Coughing
- Runny Nose
- Fever
Canine Influenza Vaccine is available now
In May 2009, the USDA approved the licensing of the first influenza vaccine for dogs. Like the human flu virus, the canine influenza vaccine contains the inactivated whole virus.
The vaccine is intended as an aid in the control of disease associated with dog flu virus infection. Although the vaccine may not prevent infection altogether, early trials have shown that the vaccination may significantly reduce the severity and duration of clinical illness, including the incidence and severity of damage to the lungs. In addition, the vaccine reduces the amount of virus shed and shortens the shedding interval. This means that vaccinated dogs that become infected develop less severe illness and are less likely to spread the virus to other dogs.
YES, we carry the dog influenza vaccine! - Get your dog checked today! Call us at 813-684-7387 if you have any questions or to schedule an appointment.
Read more about the canine influenza virus at these resources -
www.avma.org
Dog Flu Information PDF
Be Prepared for a Poison Emergency:
Your animal may become poisoned in spite of your best efforts to secure your home. Because of this, we urge you to be prepared.
Your animal companion should regularly be seen by a local veterinarian to maintain overall health. Know your vet's procedures for emergency situations, especially ones that occur after usual business hours. Keep phone numbers for the veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, and a local emergency veterinary service in a convenient location.
Poison Safety Kit:
Always keep a pet safety kit on hand for emergencies. Such a kit should contain:
- A fresh bottle of hydrogen peroxide 3% (USP)
- Can of soft dog or cat food, as appropriate.
- Turkey baster, bulb syringe or large medical syringe.
- Saline eye solution to flush out eye contaminants.
- Artificial tear gel to lubricate eyes after flushing.
- Mild grease-cutting dishwashing liquid for the animal after skin contamination.
- Rubber gloves.
- Forceps to remove stingers.
- Muzzle. An excited animal may harm you.
- Pet carrier.
Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center : (888) 426-4435
When you call the center, be ready to provide:
- Your name, address and telephone number.
- Information concerning the exposure (the amount of agent, the time since exposure, etc.
- If you know-what poison the animal was exposed to (have the product container packaging available for reference.)
- The species, breed, age, sex, weight and number of animals involved.
- The symptoms your animal is experiencing.