FAQs about Canine Influenza Virus (CIV), the vaccinations available, and why we now require it
There are a few things to know about Canine Influenza Virus. A dog that has CIV may show symptoms such as coughing, discharge from nose or eyes, sneezing, lethargy, difficulty breathing, and fever or loss of appetite. Although many symptoms are similar to Bordetella (or Canine Cough) they are different health concerns. There are two different strains, H3N8 and H3N2. H3N8 was a more common strain that has been in the country for over a decade. However, H3N2 is a highly contagious newer strain from Asia that was discovered in the US in 2015 so dogs have not been exposed to it and lack any immunity to it. Canine Influenza can be spread easily by direct contact with infected dogs (sniffing, licking, nuzzling), through the air (coughing, barking or sneezing), by contact with contaminated objects such as dog bowls and clothing, or by people moving between infected and uninfected dogs. Dogs that have CIV can spread the disease for up to 24 days.
There are vaccinations available for both strains as well as a bivalent vaccination that is for both of them. We strongly recommend your dog receives both strains or the bivalent for the best protection. The vaccinations are done in two doses done about 2-4 weeks apart with an annual update after that. We have already reached out to local veterinarians to let them know we will be requiring the vaccination.
Please keep in mind the vaccine may not prevent your dog from becoming infected if exposed to the virus. If infected, your dog may exhibit symptoms of the disease but the vaccine will be effective in preventing the illness from reaching its most severe and critical intensity.
If you would like more information about CIV and the vaccinations, check out https://www.dogflu.com/faqs.
Below is the message to our clients announcing this new requirement:
Dear Pet Parents,
We will be making a change to our required vaccinations to attend Camp Bow Wow Midland Park. Starting June 1, 2018, we will now also require the Canine Influenza vaccination for new and current Campers. There were several serious outbreaks of Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) this past year across the country and while there have been no signs of it at this location, we want to take every precaution to ensure our Campers are happy and healthy. This is a highly contagious and very serious disease.
Please speak to your veterinarian about this vaccine. There are two strains. H3N8 has been around for over a decade. H3N2 is newer but just as contagious and serious. We strongly recommend your dog receives protection for both strains. The protocol is two injections about 2-4 weeks apart with an annual update afterward.
This decision has a lot of thought behind it as we understand the concerns a pet owner may have when it comes to adding another vaccination such as additional cost or questions about over-vaccination. This disease can be easily spread and is a serious health concern for any dog that contracts it. By requiring the vaccination, we help prevent the spread of CIV as well as reduce the chance your dog will become infected and lessen the severity of the symptoms if they do.
Camp Bow Wow Midland Park is always concerned about the safety of all our Campers and feel that this is the best step to take to keep everyone healthy. We hope that we never have any cases of Canine Influenza in this area and that this requirement will help with preventing that. We welcome any questions and concerns regarding this change in policy and appreciate your cooperation.
If you would like to read more information about Canine Influenza Virus (CIV), the vaccine and this new requirement, please click here to visit our website. We appreciate your patronage and your cooperation.