The Canine Flu Vaccine – Informational Page
CANINE INFLUENZA VACCINE – REQUIRED
Below is some helpful information about the canine influenza vaccination.
RISK FACTORS – CANINES THAT SHOULD BE VACCINATED AGAINST THE CANINE INFLUENZA INCLUDE:
- Dogs that come from shelters, rescue centers, breeding kennels, or pet stores
- Boarding at a kennel or doggie daycare
- Visiting groomers, dog parks, or engaging with other dogs
- Dogs that participate in events/competitions
- Dogs that travel
- Dogs of veterinary staff that may be exposed through contaminated fomites
- Sharing an elevator or other confined space with other dogs
*Please scroll to the bottom of this page for the latest updated information regarding the Canine Influenza Vaccination – Page Update made on October 1, 2024
Please note that we are not veterinarians and we ask that you speak with your vet regarding any questions or concerns. We feel that the health and safety of all of our pet guests is paramount and we follow the guidance of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) for Canine Vaccination.
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Which strains of Canine Influenza does protection does my dog need protection against?
Sumter Pet Sitters requires each dog to be fully vaccinated against both strains of canine influenza (H3N2 and H3N8). The “combo vaccine”(called “H3N2/H3N8 Bivalent”) combines protection against both strains of canine influenza into one serum, split up between two separate doses. To receive the full course of canine flu shots, your dog will need two separate vet visits, set two to four weeks apart. The yearly booster shot includes only one shot, annually. *(Please consult your veterinarian for guidance – we are not veterinarians and this information is only provided as a helpful guide for you, and aligns with the guidance of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Always follow your veterinarian’s advice.)
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Which veterinarians carry the canine flu vaccine?
Most veterinary offices in our area carry the canine flu vaccine. Ask your vet for availability.
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Is Sumter Pet Sitters the only pet facility that requires this vaccination?
No. Most pet-care facilities we communicate with do require (or at least recommend) this vaccination.
Can my healthy dog still get canine influenza even though they are vaccinated?
Yes. Vaccinated dogs CAN still become infected and develop the illness. The purpose of receiving the vaccine is to control the spread of the disease by reducing the severity and duration of illness and symptoms, and also to reduce the amount of virus shed by an infected dog and minimize how long they shed the virus.
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My dog already had the canine flu. Does he still need to be vaccinated?
Yes. Even if your dog was stricken with Canine Influenza in the past, we still require your dog to receive both rounds of H3N2/H3N8 vaccines and an annual yearly booster. Vaccine manufacturers report that even if your dog has had respiratory illnesses in the past, receiving the H3N2/H3N8 vaccine will not harm your dog. However, we always advise you to speak with your pet’s veterinarian regarding their medical history before making any changes.
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According to Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Andrea Milam of Creekside Animal Hospital in Macomb, Michigan:
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“As far as we have seen, we have not had any animals returning back for a vaccine reaction after receiving the influenza vaccine. The most common reactions are for pets to be a little sleepy and sore. More severe reactions are rare, however when you see them they can range from lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, hives, facial swelling, and anaphylaxis reactions. Unfortunately there is no way to know if a pet is going to have a reaction to a vaccine before giving it, and pets should be monitored after vaccines are given.”
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My dog already received the Bordatella vaccination, isn’t that enough?
No. The Bordatella vaccine is different than the Canine Influenza vaccine. Talk with your veterinarian to set up a vaccination regimen that works best for your pet and at least meets the Sumter Pet Sitters Vaccination Requirements Policy.
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Will my healthy dog be contagious after receiving the vaccination?
No. The vaccination doesn’t administer a live form of the virus, and is already inactivated (killed). The vaccine works by simply building your dog’s immune levels against both strains of the canine flu.
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How is the vaccination administered?
At this time, canine flu vaccines are only available to dogs by injectable shot. You will need to set up two vet visits, three weeks apart. After these two rounds of shots are completed, vaccine manufacturers recommend annual boosters at one year later, only requiring one vet visit instead of two.
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How long does the vaccine protect my dog?
One year. At the end of that year, your dog’s booster will only require one visit to the vet, with one shot.
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What if the virus changes in the future?
Vaccine manufacturers update the formulations to adapt with changes to the virus.
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Should my puppy receive the vaccination?
According to the vaccine manufacturer, the H3N2/H3N8 vaccination can be given to healthy dogs that are at least eight weeks old. Be sure to speak with your vet to set up a vaccination regimen for your dog.
Page Update – October 1, 2024:
Effective Immediately, In Lieu of the H3N2/H3N8 Bivalent, we will accept the New Nobivac® NXT Canine Flu H3N2 RNA Particle Vaccine – 2 Doses. Please note that with the H3N2 Particle Vaccine there is a non-negotiable 14-day waiting period after the second dose is administered before your pet can come into Sumter Pet Sitters.