CANINE FLU H3N8

I've been getting E-mails & Calls on the H3N8 Canine Flu that is emerging and felt I needed to address to you all as a whole.  My Vet sent out a letter on it as well and from what it sounds like, it's becoming a problem, but not an epidemic yet.  So here is what we know:

 

Canine Influenza Virus (H3N8) or "DOG FLU" is a fairly new and emerging disease which can be a threat to our canine friends.  It was first discovered in Florida in 2004, and this virus is a mutagenic variant of equine influenza.  What we are told is that in North American dog population is immunologically naive to this virus, so many dogs (especially those with weak immune systems) are susceptible until they are either infected and survive or fully immunized by it.  Again, my belief is that if our dogs are strong in their immune systems, the risk of death from this is very low, much like humans with the current flu situation.

 

Clinical Signs:

** Harsh Cough

** Variable levels of Fever

** Lethargy

** Muscle Aches

** Signs we would classically attribute to Flu in humans and other species.

 

Remember, as with most viruses, most treatments include care to control symptoms including fever, dehydration and secondary infections, however with this particular flu there are no approved direct anti-viral treatments to date.

What else we do know:

**  Canine flue does not affect humans or felines

**  The virus is highly contagious to other dogs

**  The virus is not the same as the SWINE FLU - However they way it's labeled is frightening and animal parents are freaking out!

**  The virus is present in every state surrounding ours (New Mexico) and is known to be endemic in Colorado.

**  The virus is spread on contaminated objects such as : Hands, Shoes....

**  The incubation Period is 2-4 days

**  Roughly 20 to 25% will exhibit no signs or symptoms

**  Infection seems to be year round, but greater in the winter months

**  You can have ACCURATE testing for infection through your Veterinarians

**  Death Rate for infected dogs with bad immune systems is approximately 2-6%.

 

There is a vaccine for this available now at your Veterinarian's office.  There are two shots required and to be given 3-4 weeks apart, and then given Yearly there after.  If you desire to give this shot you may do so and it will not affect your guarantee, however let me enlighten you a bit before you make your final decision.  Just like our current situation with the H1N1, people with strong immune systems are weathering this flu much easier then those who are not focused on boosting their systems with holistic means to help ward off this flu.  Our family is using the "EMERGEN C" (Cranberry & Pomogranet) packets in 1/2 cup of OJ and 7 drops of GSE (Grapefruit Seed Extract) Everyday.  They closed our school down because the flu is so ramped there and my Children have not gotten sick since I have been doing this daily.  Many of the kids keep going down over and over again and our children have not.  We also use acdophilus and of course wash our hands.

 

You are using GSE (links below) in your Dogs "MUSH" everyday (5 Drops) with yogurt (which has acidophilus) and I would recommend (if you are not already doing so) to beef up the Acidophilus in your yogurt by adding 5 capsules per Pint of Dannon Yogurt (Plain) and spoon to your dogs out of there, also make sure you are using Food Grade D.E.  They need 3 TBSP's Max a day.  Also because of the NUVET Vitamins and all the PROBIOTICS and Live ALGE's in that you are continually building on their Immune systems.  So I feel all our dogs are more then protected.  HOWEVER, if your dog is performing in Agility, or going to dog shows, in Doggie Day Care, you may still want to consider using the vaccine for added peace of mind.  We don't want to throw them to the wolves either.  If your dog is with you in your home and goes out for the occasional walk and ride in the car, etc., I would not worry too much about having to get the vaccines.

 

Most at Risk:

 

Dogs housed in communal facilities:

**Doggie Day Care

**Training Facilities

**Agility or Flyball Competitions

**Dogs who travel extensively with their owners

**Dogs who will be boarded during the Holidays

**Grooming Salons

**Shelters

**Pet Adoption Groups

**Humane Societies

 

Make sure to check with your Vet for VOLUME pricing with more then 5 dogs if you decide to vaccinate.  And again, if you decide to vaccinate your dog, you will not jeopardize your guarantee.  We do ask you to follow the protocol and never vaccinate together with other vaccines for convenience sake, to please spread things out.

 

Also, if you still have not tested your dog for MDR1 we are slowly making our way through all the paperwork to check to make sure you have sent in your certificates.

 

Hope all this helps....

 

Thank you! 

Theresa