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Best Friends Fur Ever Pet Parents:

At BFFE, your pet’s safety and well-being are our top priorities. In light of recent updates from BARCS, we want to share how we’re protecting against respiratory illnesses.

Our approach includes vigilant monitoring for symptoms and a proactive, stringent protocol to ensure every pup in our care stays healthy and happy. Your pet’s health is at the heart of everything we do.

Over the past year, in collaboration with Dr. Jenifer Chatfield, our consulting veterinarian, and sponsor of our Health Pet Keeping Seal, we’ve enhanced our respiratory disease prevention protocols to provide you with peace of mind while minimizing the risk of exposure to contagious diseases.

Understanding Canine Influenza (Dog Flu)

Canine influenza, or “dog flu,” is a top concern for dog owners, particularly in light of recent outbreaks. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Endemic in the U.S.: Canine influenza is always present within the dog population. While it’s not a cause for panic, it does require vigilance.
  • Current Strain: The primary strain affecting dogs in the U.S. today is H3N2, as the H3N8 strain hasn’t been detected since 2016, and is considered extinct in the US.
  • What we are doing: At BFFE, based on the latest data and with Dr. Chatfield’s input, we now recommend the Nobivac NXT canine influenza vaccine to best prevent influenza in all dogs under our care.

Our Commitment to Prevention

Our team is professionally trained to recognize symptoms of respiratory illness in your dog and to take immediate action, including isolating affected dogs to prevent the spread of illness. If your dog displays any of the following symptoms, please refrain from bringing them to daycare and notify us immediately:

  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Nasal discharge
  • Lethargy
  • Fever

Vaccination Updates

Since last year, under Dr. Jen’s guidance, we’ve updated our vaccination recommendations to align with the latest research for superior protection:

  1. Canine Influenza (H3N2):
    • Strongly recommended: Nobivac NXT vaccine, which offers advanced protection.
  2. CIRDC Pathogens (Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex):
    • Recommended: oral or intranasal vaccination against canine parainfluenza (the key pathogen in upper respiratory disease in dogs)
    • Recommended: Nobivac Intra-Trak 3 intranasal vaccine

While we support legacy vaccine platforms, we highly encourage you to discuss these new options with your veterinarian as they represent the best method for protecting you dog from vaccine-preventable respiratory disease.

Mandatory Preventive Requirements

To ensure a disease-free environment, the following vaccinations are required for all canine guests:

  • Canine Influenza (H3N2)
  • Rabies
  • Canine Distemper
  • Canine Parvovirus
  • Leptospirosis (4 serovars: Canicola, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Grippotyphosa, Pomona)
  • CIRDC Pathogens (Mucosal vaccination for Canine parainfluenza, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Canine adenovirus)

Additionally, all dogs must be on effective flea, tick, gastrointestinal parasite, and heartworm prevention. We recommend Bravecto and Sentinel Spectrum for comprehensive coverage.

Partnering for Health

Together, we can maintain a safe and enjoyable environment where your pets can thrive. If you or your veterinarian have any questions regarding our preventive requirements, don’t hesitate to contact us.

For more details, check out Dr. Jen’s blog on canine flu:
https://www.bestfriendsfurever.com/dr-jen-the-vet-on-canine-influenza/

Thank you for entrusting us with the care of your beloved pets.