PAWS FOR THOUGHT

Summer!  Vacation!  But where do we board Fido this year?  What can we do to prevent post-boarding cough or diarrhea we dealt with last year?  

While most kennels and dog owners are aware of “kennel cough” or Bordetella, few hear of the new emerging canine influenza, or flu virus (H3N8 – affects dogs only).   

Canine influenza is a highly contagious virus:  any dog exposed to this virus will become infected.  Eighty percent of dogs will show signs of infection:  low grade fever, nasal discharge, lack of energy, loss of appetite, and a persistent cough that may last up to a month.  Dogs that do not show signs of infection can still spread the virus to other dogs.  About twenty percent of infected dogs may develop pneumonia and eight percent of those may die.  

Boarding, grooming, doggie day-care facilities, dog parks, dog-training classes, and your veterinarian’s waiting rooms are common places where your dog may be at a higher risk of exposure to the virus.  The virus spreads through direct contact, air, cough, sneeze, clothing, hands or contaminated surfaces.  

Recently, a new vaccine became available.  The initial vaccine requires two doses, two to four weeks apart, followed by annual revaccination.  

When you board your pet, make sure the facility is clean, well-maintained, and that there is an influenza outbreak management plan in place.  

Suggested check-list for dog owners and kennels:

1. Pet should be up-to-date on the following vaccines – rabies, distemper, bordetella, and influenza;
2. Pet should have a recent negative fecal sample done via an outside laboratory;
3. Pet should  be treated for fleas and ticks (Revolution, Vectra or Top Spot / Frontline are recommended);
4. To minimize post-boarding diarrhea, start your pet on a good quality pro-biotic one week prior to boarding.  Consider bringing your dog’s own food to the kennel.  If your dog has a sensitive stomach, get prescription intestinal related foods from your veterinarian (such as, low residue, EN, I/D).

Hopefully, this year, Fido will have fun and a smooth boarding experience.

For further questions, you may email Dr. Barnea at info@njvet.com.  

Dr. Barnea is a 1992 graduate of Tufts University, School of Veterinary Medicine and a practicing veterinarian in Northern New Jersey.