Whether or not the canine influenza vaccine is worth it for your pet is a decision best made in consultation with your veterinarian. The canine influenza vaccine has been available in the United States since 2009, and is used to help protect against two strains of the virus, H3N8 and H3N2.
Immunity from the vaccination usually lasts for at least six months, and for some dogs for up to a year.
The most common side effect from the canine influenza vaccine is mild soreness at the injection site. The canine influenza virus is very contagious and affects all breeds of dogs, so if your dog frequents a dog park, attends doggie daycare, or is regularly around unfamiliar dogs, vaccination may be a prudent choice.
Vaccination may also be a good idea if your dog often stays at boarding kennels or visits grooming facilities.
If your vet recommends the canine influenza vaccine, it is important to be aware that vaccinating your dog does not guarantee that your pet will not contract this virus. However, it does confer a certain level of protection that can help your dog to recover more quickly if they do contract the virus.
Ultimately, the decision to vaccinate your dog is up to you and your veterinarian, and should be made with their best interest in mind.
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Do dogs really need the influenza vaccine?
Yes, dogs really need the influenza vaccine. This is because vaccination against canine influenza (also known as dog flu) can help protect your pet from becoming infected with this potentially serious disease.
Although dogs of any age can get sick from canine influenza, puppies, senior pets, and dogs with chronic health conditions are especially at risk of serious illness. Canine influenza is highly contagious and is spread through the air or direct contact with an infected dog.
Any dog that may come in contact with other dogs, such as those brought to the groomer, boarding at a kennel, attending doggie daycare, or visiting parks or dog shows is at principle risk for infection and thus in need of vaccination.
Vaccinating your pet is an important way to help prevent the spread of this disease and make sure your four-legged family member stays happy and healthy.
When should dogs get canine influenza vaccine?
The canine influenza vaccine is generally recommended for dogs that are more at risk of exposure to the virus and susceptible to infection, such as dogs that board, travel, go to dog parks, daycares and shows, as well as greyhounds, any other dogs with a history of upper respiratory infections, or any whose immune systems may be weakened.
The vaccine helps provide protection from several strains of the virus, but it’s important to understand that it’s not 100% effective at preventing the disease.
It’s important to note that the vaccine does not provide immediate immunity; instead it may take several weeks for the dog to develop protection. For the best protection, the two-vaccine series should be administered two to four weeks apart.
Booster vaccinations should then be given annually.
Is it OK not to vaccinate your dog?
No, it is not okay not to vaccinate your dog. Vaccines are critical to keeping both you and your pet healthy. Vaccines help protect your pet from contagious and potentially fatal diseases, including rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus, among others.
Vaccines also help protect your family and other pets in contact with your pet from these diseases. Vaccinating your pet is also important for protecting public health. Vaccines not only protect your pet from diseases, but they also help protect people, especially those with weakened immune systems, from catching the disease from your pet.
Therefore, it is important to remain up-to-date with your pet’s vaccinations. Vaccines should begin as early as 8 weeks old, as determined by your vet. Vaccines need to be completed on a regular schedule and may need to be later supplemented with boosters or completed annual vaccinations to ensure protection and safety.
Vaccines should not be overlooked as they are an essential part of your pet’s health care.
What dog vaccines are not necessary?
When it comes to vaccinating your dog, it is important to follow the recommendations outlined by your veterinarian. While some vaccinations may be recommended for all dogs, depending on the dog’s lifestyle and risk factors, other vaccines may not be necessary.
Generally, the core vaccines that are recommended for all dogs include rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus. Non-core vaccines that may be needed depending on the lifestyle of the dog include leptospirosis (lepto), canine hepatitis, Lyme disease, Bordetella, parainfluenza, and coronavirus.
In some cases, vaccines that may not be necessary are those that provide immunity against kennel cough (Bordetella), leptospirosis, Lyme disease, and coronavirus. The reason these may not be necessary is because there is a lower risk for a typical pet dog of contracting these diseases unless the dog will be exposed to a large number of other dogs or go to certain areas that are known for high prevalence of these types of diseases.
It is important to talk with your veterinarian about the lifestyle of your dog’s lifestyle and risk factors to determine which vaccines are necessary and which are not.
Is Bordetella the same as canine influenza?
No, Bordetella and canine influenza are not the same. Bordetella, also known as Bordetella bronchiseptica, is a bacterial infection that is spread via airborne particles, direct contact with an infected animal, or contaminated environment.
It is one of the most common causes of upper respiratory infections in dogs and causes symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, nasal and eye discharge, and, occasionally, vomiting and diarrhea.
Canine influenza, on the other hand, is an infectious respiratory illness that is caused by the canine influenza virus (CIV). It was first identified in the United States in 2004 and has since spread to many other countries.
Symptoms associated with canine influenza include a high fever, coughing, sneezing, and nasal and eye discharge. It can be spread through direct contact with an infected animal, contaminated objects, or through the air.
In some cases, it can cause a severe and potentially fatal illness, so it is important to get your pet vaccinated against both canine influenza and Bordetella to protect them from contracting either of these illnesses.
How long is the influenza vaccine for dogs good for?
The influenza vaccine for dogs typically provides protection for one year, though it can vary depending on the particular vaccine being used. It is important to check with your veterinarian to learn how long the vaccine is good for, as protection could be shorter or longer than one year.
Re-vaccinating every year is recommended to ensure protection against the current flu strain. Ideally, vaccination should be done early in the season, before flu activity has begun. Annual vaccination is the best way to keep your dog protected against the flu, since they can be exposed to different flu viruses each year.
What is the proper vaccination schedule for a dog?
The proper vaccination schedule for a dog is determined by the dog’s age, risk of exposure, and overall health. Generally, puppies should be vaccinated starting at 8 weeks of age, with booster shots approximately every 3-4 weeks until the puppy is 16 weeks old.
At this point, certain vaccines may need to be boosted periodically for the remainder of the dog’s life.
Core vaccines, which are recommended for all dogs and consist of rabies and the distemper, adenovirus, and parvovirus (DAPP) vaccine, should typically be given after the 16-week mark. Rabies should be administered once as a puppy and then every 1-3 years afterward, depending on the area and local regulations.
The DAPP vaccine can also be given annually.
Non-core vaccines, depending on the particular breed’s risk of exposure to diseases, can include vaccines for bordetella, lyme, leptospirosis, distemper (not part of the DAPP vaccine), canine cough, and giardia, among others.
If you’re unsure what vaccinations your pet should receive or when to administer them, it is best to consult your veterinarian for a personalized plan.
How far apart is canine influenza shots?
Canine influenza shots should be given every 1-2 months for the first three doses, with annual boosters thereafter. It is important to note that some areas may require additional doses depending on the local prevalence of canine flu, and a veterinarian should advise pet owners on how often to vaccinate.
It is also important to make sure that the first three doses are administered at least two weeks apart in order to achieve the full level of protection.
What age can puppies get influenza shots and Bordetella shots?
Puppies can typically receive influenza and Bordetella shots around the age of 8 to 10 weeks. Both of these vaccinations are very important for a puppy’s health, as they protect the puppy from potentially deadly illnesses.
The influenza shot helps to protect against canine influenza, while the Bordetella shot protects against Bordetella bronchiseptica, a bacteria that can lead to severe respiratory problems. Both of these shots are considered core vaccines, which means healthy puppies should receive them for lifelong protection.
It’s important to discuss these vaccinations with your veterinarian to make sure your puppy is receiving the correct combination of shots and at the right age. Puppies should receive booster shots two to four weeks after their initial shot and every three to four weeks after that until they reach the age of 16 weeks or older.
After that, your veterinarian will recommend a schedule of booster shots.
How long do dog vaccines actually last?
The duration of protection from any canine vaccination depends on the vaccine itself and the age, health, and lifestyle of your pet. For core vaccines such as distemper, parvovirus, and rabies, the duration of protection can last anywhere from 1 to 3 years.
For example, the core canine distemper, parvovirus and canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2) vaccine is typically recommended to be administered every three years. On the other hand, the core canine rabies vaccine is legally required to be administered every one to three years, depending on the state regulations.
Non-core vaccines, such as canine influenza, leptospirosis, or Bordatella, may not provide lifelong protection to your pet and so may need to be boostered. For example, generally the canine influenza virus vaccine is recommended to be administered initially, and then repeated every one to two years.
It is best to check with your vet to decide on the best vaccine protocol for your pet.
What is the shelf life of dog vaccines?
The shelf life of dog vaccines varies depending on the type of vaccine and the manufacturer. Generally, most canine vaccines have a shelf life of up to 18 months, while other types of vaccines may have a shelf life of up to 36 months.
It is important to make sure the expiration date on the vaccine is checked before giving to your pet in order to ensure the vaccine is effective. Vaccines should always be stored properly at a temperature between 35°F and 45°F and free from humidity, light and dust.
Vaccines should also not be stored in the same refrigerator as food items in order to prevent any possible contamination. Additionally, if any vaccine appears to have expired or has changed in appearance, it should be discarded immediately to prevent any harm to your dog.
Should you still vaccinate older dogs?
Yes, older dogs should still be vaccinated. Vaccines are an important part of protecting your dog’s health as they age, as they can help to protect against diseases and illnesses that could be more serious in senior pets.
Vaccinations can also boost the immune system and help to keep your pet’s immune system strong. Vaccines are especially important for older dogs that may have weakened immune systems and be at greater risk of contracting certain diseases.
Ideally, a veterinarian should administer vaccinations to ensure they are given correctly and the appropriate type and dosage of vaccine is used. Vaccines should also be administered at regular intervals, depending on the type of vaccine and the diseases it protects against.
Talk to your veterinarian to ensure you are up-to-date on your pet’s vaccine schedule and that booster shots are given when needed.
What happens if you miss dog vaccine?
If you miss your dog’s vaccine, their protection against certain diseases may be incomplete and they may become more at risk of contracting an illness or infection. Depending on the vaccine that was missed, the severity and risk associated with missing a vaccine can vary.
Some diseases, such as canine parvovirus and distemper, can be extremely serious and even fatal without proper vaccination. Additionally, some healthcare providers may require specific vaccines before allowing a dog to board or allowing them to stay for a procedure, so missing a vaccine can create practical obstacles for pet owners as well.
It is important to keep your pet up-to-date on their vaccinations to maintain their health and safety and to avoid obstacles with your pet’s healthcare providers.
Does Dhpp include canine influenza?
No, the Canine Distemper-Parvovirus-Parainfluenza (Dhpp) vaccine does not include canine influenza. Canine influenza is a type of contagious respiratory infection caused by a specific strain of the Influenza A virus.
The virus is high contagious and affects dogs worldwide. Canine influenza can cause mild or severe respiratory illness in dogs, and in some cases can even be fatal. Vaccination for canine influenza is available and it is important for dog owners to check with their veterinarian to see if the vaccination is necessary for their dog.
