{"id":1272,"date":"2019-04-11T18:24:42","date_gmt":"2019-04-11T18:24:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.animalmedical.net\/blog\/?p=1272"},"modified":"2019-04-11T18:24:42","modified_gmt":"2019-04-11T18:24:42","slug":"what-could-be-worse-than-canine-flu-not-much","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.animalmedical.net\/blog\/what-could-be-worse-than-canine-flu-not-much\/","title":{"rendered":"What Could be Worse than Canine Flu? Not Much!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Canine influenza, or dog flu, is a highly contagious airborne condition that can affect all dogs regardless of breed, age, or health. Nearly all cases of canine flu result from indoor group, boarding facility, play centers, groomers, and dog parks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, with increased owner awareness, stricter policies at shared spaces, and the widespread availability of the canine influenza vaccine, dogs have a greater chance of avoiding this virus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Year-Round Risk<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There is no \u201cflu season\u201d for canine flu, and it can spread quickly. There are two strains of canine flu that cause serious respiratory infections: H3N8 and H3N2. The first strain, H3N8, was discovered in 2004 following an outbreak at a Greyhound racetrack in Florida. Originally an equine disease, H3N8 spread to dogs in 30 other states in just 5 years. It\u2019s shed by infected dogs for 5 days.
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In March 2015, the Chicago area witnessed hundreds of dogs suffering from respiratory disease. The virus was identified as avian flu strain H3N2<\/a>, which originated in Asia. This strain is particularly challenging because the shedding period is intermittent over a period of up to 24 days. Unlike H3N8, H3N2 can also infect cats<\/a>.
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Immunity to Canine Flu<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dogs do not have any natural immunity to canine flu because it\u2019s relatively new. Plus, because it spreads so quickly, all dogs are at risk.
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Dogs in shelters and those who visit boarding facilities, salons\/groomers, dog parks, and other play areas are at higher risk. Dogs who travel across state lines can also easily spread the virus and become infected.
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Awareness Counts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To keep our animal guests safe and healthy, required proof of the canine flu vaccine<\/a> is a major part of our boarding, grooming, and playcare<\/a> check-in protocols. Because it\u2019s so contagious and can spread so easily among indoor groups, we want to ensure all our guests are protected. Similarly, we don\u2019t want to unknowingly help the virus spread.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dangers of Dog Flu<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The symptoms of canine influenza<\/a> affect the respiratory system and can range from mild to severe. Please contact us immediately if you observe the following:
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