Facts about canine influenza
and a new vaccine that's now available to protect dogs
Canine influenza is... an emerging threat to the respiratory health of dogs across the US - All breeds and ages are susceptible to infection - Because it's a new virus, dogs have no natural immunity to it
• Highly contagious and easily spread through: - Direct contact (licking or nuzzling) - The air (coughing or sneezing) - Contaminated surfaces (picked up on the hands or clothing of a person and then spread when another dog is touched or petted) - Contamination lasts twenty four hours on clothing, forty eight hours on hard surfaces
• Characterized by a persistent cough that may last several weeks, as well as runny nose, watery eyes, and a loss of appetite and/or energy
• Usually mild, but can progress to a more severe infection or pneumonia in 10% to 20% of cases, and is fatal in up to 8% of sick dogs
• Does any of the following pertain to your dog?:
[ ] Came from a shelter, rescue center, breeder, or pet store
[ ] Boards at a kennel
[ ] Attends doggie daycare or group training
[ ] Visits a groomer, dog park, or other places where dogs congregate
[ ] Participates in dog events and competitions
[ ] Travels / takes vacations with you

If you answered yes to any of the above then you should highly consider having your dog vaccinated for Canine Influenza, H3N8.
• The first vaccine available to aid in the prevention of disease associated with canine influenza
• Proven to significantly reduce the coughing, severity, and spread of canine influenza infection
• Proven safe; a killed virus vaccine developed, manufactured, and marketed by Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health and conditionally licensed by the USDA - A conditional license is issued to meet a special circumstance such as the emergence of a new virus for which there is no existing vaccine
• Administered in two doses given 2 to 4 weeks apart - an annual booster injection is needed for continued protection.  With the first vaccination your dog's immune system is stimulated.  Two to four weeks after they receive the 2nd booster your dog's immunity is fully activated.  They can still come down with a mild case of Canine Flu H3N8.  However the severity and shedding of the virus will be minimal compared to what it will be like if they are not vaccinated.
If you miss the booster in the 2-4 week window, starting the series over again will be necessary.
Please contact us to schedule a vaccination for your pet.  734-439-1112
For more information on canine influenza, visit www.doginfluenza.com.