A new vaccine has recently been released for canine influenza and we wanted you to be the first to know that we will be carrying it soon. Canine flu (or H3N8) was first seen in dogs in 2004 in Florida but has unfortunately been seen in the past few months in our area. Canine flu can cause many of the signs similar to Bordetella (traditionally called "kennel cough") but as most dogs have never been exposed, there is an increased risk of the often benign upper respiratory "cough" becoming a deeper and more serious infection.

"Kennel cough" is actually caused by a number of different viruses and bacteria. All dogs that go to dog parks, daycare, or boarding facilities should be vaccinated every 6 months for Bordetella and every year for the Da2PP ("distemper") vaccine which includes adenovirus and parainfluenza (different viruses that can contribute to kennel cough).

Now that we have the canine influenza vaccine, we are recommending that the same dogs get vaccinated for flu. The vaccine is given in two doses -- three weeks apart -- followed by annual boosters. The vaccine is an inactivated or "killed" type so it cannot cause the flu.

Please note that canine flu cannot be passed to people.