Canine influenza (CI), or dog flu, is a highly contagious respiratory infection of dogs that is caused by an influenza A virus.
The COMBO Canine Influenza vaccine, which covers both the H3N8 and H3N2 viruses, is a series of two vaccines given two to four weeks apart. To help keep Best Friends Fur EverSM guests healthy and prevent the spread of canine influenza, this vaccine is a requirement for all Best Friends Fur Ever canine guests (boarding, daycare, grooming, training).
To be proactive in reducing the risk to our canine guests, Best Friends Fur Ever is implementing a mandatory requirement that all our guests have received their first CIV vaccine, which covers both H3N8/H3N2 viruses, by June 30, 2019.
Following our standard vaccine requirements, please provide documentation that your dog has been vaccinated against canine influenza by a licensed veterinarian. If your dog has already been vaccinated and you have provided documentation to our staff, no further action is needed on your part at this time.
FAQs
Since publishing our notification about the canine influenza vaccine requirement recently, we received several questions from our dog owners that we thought would be helpful to share as follows.
- Why are we requiring our client’s dogs to be vaccinated for Canine Flu?
Best Friends Fur Ever believes in advocating for our clients following best practices established nationally. Other daycares nationwide have been impacted by this virus and we wish to ensure our clients and their pets the safest healthiest stay possible. As active members of International Boarding and Pet Services; this topic has been a forefront of many seminars, discussions, and educational forums for the past several years. Best Friends Fur Ever has taken many roles to help protect pets in our care. We utilize Pet Airipy, air sanitizing technology for the pet care industry. Vigorous sanitizing and cleaning schedules, staff education such as IBPSA’s Infectious Disease Program as well as vaccination protocols, to help keep the pup’s in our care healthy. Over 60% of other established daycares and boarding facilities in our area also require this vaccine.| - What is the biggest concern with canine flu viruses?
Canine Influenza is airborne and can be anywhere. Dogs can be in contact with it walking in their neighborhood, going to the vet, in the pet store, visiting other households, etc. The biggest concern with canine flu viruses, especially with the H3N8, is that currently there isn’t a lot of natural immunity built up within our canine population against this virus, as it is a newer virus; which means that if your dog is in a community environment and they’re exposed to a dog with this virus who may not be exhibiting symptoms, your dog can be affected. - When does my dog have to be inoculated against Canine Influenza?
Your dog’s first inoculation of two to be administered in the Combo Canine Influenza Vaccine must be administered to your dog by the end of June. The second inoculation will occur two to four weeks later. - What if I can’t get into my vet to get the exam for the vaccine before my vacation? How will this impact my ability to board my dog at Best Friends Fur Ever?
If you are unable to get an appointment with your veterinarian, check your local Tractor Supply. Many Tractor Supply stores hold Vaccine Clinics every Sunday, and can administer the Canine Influenza vaccines. No appointment is needed. Locate your nearest Tractor Supply store here. - If my dog is immuno-compromised and my vet is advising against inoculating my dog for canine influenza for medical reasons, what do I do?
If this is the case, please contact us directly.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, LOOK HERE:
Please visit these resources to learn more about Canine Influenza and how you can protect your dog.
- American Veterinary Medical Association – Canine Influenza FAQs
- Dogflu.com – General Information and Dog Flu Outbreaks Map – Dogflu.com
If you have any questions about this new requirement or your dog’s upcoming stay, please call Best Friends Fur Ever at 410-773-7529 (Cockeysville) or 410-671-7529 (Joppa).