Canine Influenza

     I had a few questions from owners about canine influenza, it's vaccine, and how it relates to humans.  First off humans do not get this form of the influenza virus, that said it can be a very mild to very severe disease for dogs.  The influenza virus A strain H3N8 is the culprit, and at this time very limited immunity exists in our dog populations.  First noted around dog tracks, it has spread due to direct contact (licking and nuzzling); through the air (coughing or sneezing); and through touch (owner's hands or clothing).  The cough at first mimics any other respiratory disease (kennel cough), but in some dogs can develop into fever, runny nose, severe lack of energy/appetite, and in severe cases pneumonia.  The pneumonia is the worst because it is usually a mixed bacterial infection, and thus harder to fight off.  However, at this time no active outbreak is apparent.
     The recommendations for this vaccine at this time are mostly limited to dogs in multiple-dog environments, such as kennels, shelters, dog parks and events, training, and grooming regularly.  Keeping your dog in good health with the usual good food (not generic or bulk), clean water at all times, good housing, and great care will also help them to fight this virus.  At this time, though the virus is real, I am not advocating this vaccine for most of my patients.  In the future this may change, depending on whether a large outbreak once again threatens.   More info is available at http://www.doginfluenza.com/, if interested.
     For the nonce, with no major signs of it and a conditional vaccine in a world of many vaccines, I'm much more worried by rabies, DAPP (and Lepto if you have a water loving dog), and bordatella (kennel cough).  These are much more prevalent and also serious diseases. 
     Don't forget parasite prevention through the entire summer months, and into the winter for heartworm. 
     Keep your pet out of the car during summer also, since 15 minutes in a "cool" car (70 degrees outside) can produce life-threatening temperatures inside that glass-encased cage in the sun.  You can get out or open the door when you get too hot, they can't.