Canine Influenza Virus
Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) is a relatively new illness in dogs. The first known case was diagnosed in Florida back in 2008. The first vaccine for CIV was released in 2009 and we began recommending vaccinating “at-risk” dogs shortly thereafter. It is very contagious to dogs.
There is now a new vaccine that protects against CIV, which provides better protection with a smaller quantity of vaccine. Pets just starting the CIV vaccine would require a booster 2-6 weeks after their first vaccination was given. The series must be completed at least 2 weeks prior to visiting Animal Hospital of Statesville’s Resort and Spa. Also, if the second CIV booster is missed (or late), the series will need to be started again! Thereafter, the CIV vaccine becomes a yearly vaccine provided it is given at the properly scheduled interval. Pets vaccinated with the older vaccine need only to booster one time within a year of receiving their previous vaccination.
As always, we only recommend vaccines for “at-risk” dogs. For CIV, those dogs would be dogs that board, go to a groomer, dog shows, dog parks or other social gatherings of dogs. As with most vaccines, getting the vaccine does not necessarily totally prevent disease, but it DOES greatly decrease the severity of the illness and all but eliminates the fatality component. Animal Hospital of Statesville is committed to keeping our boarding and grooming pets safe by requiring all pets using these services to be properly vaccinated for it. Not all kennels and groomers require the CIV vaccine. However, we feel it is in the best interest for the at-risk pets that we serve. We want to keep the dogs in our care safe and healthy!