The influenza variant that can cause severe disease in dogs is referred to as Canine Influenza. Let’s break down why Canine Influenza is different from other flu viruses.
The two strains of Canine Influenza are influenza H3N2 or influenza H3N8. The numbers and letters refer to complicated microbiology, but basically you can think of these different variants as different ‘breeds’ of influenza. Just like a chihuahua and a Great Dane are different breeds of dogs that can have very different characteristics, the different strains of influenza can also act very differently depending on which ‘breed’ it is.
Luckily, the canine influenza vaccine that we carry is a bivalent vaccine that includes protection for both the H3N2 and H3N8 strains of canine influenza. The first time the CIV vaccine is given, we do it as a series of 2 shots given two to four weeks apart. Then we booster that vaccine once a year to continue to protect your dog.
Which dogs should get vaccinated for canine influenza?
I like to say that the “social dogs” who are more likely to be around unfamiliar dogs should get the dog flu vaccine. This includes dogs that do boarding, grooming, training classes, dog parks, or day care. If your dog does any of those, then your dog may benefit from the protection of the vaccine.
You may have heard about another strain of influeza – H5N1, which is known as Bird Flu. This variant does not seem to cause severe disease in dogs – right now, at least. (If you want to learn more about Avian Influenza or Bird Flu, please check out our other blog post titled Bird Flu Hullabaloo.)
If you have any questions about canine influenza or would like to schedule an appointment to get your dog the canine influenza vaccine, please text us at 815-942-1199.
