The American Veterinary Medical Association guidelines on vaccinating dogs against H3N8 Canine Influenza suggest that dogs receiving Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccination should be considered possibly at risk for infection with Canine Influenza as well. If your dog gets a kennel cough vaccination because he or she spends time in proximity to other dogs in areas like kennels, dog parks, shows, or training classes, please ask us about the appropriateness of Canine Influenza Vaccine for him or her. Influenza is not common in our area as of now, but it is a much more serious disease than kennel cough. We do not suggest that every dog in every home should have this vaccine, but we want you to know that it is available should you decide that vaccination may be right for your dog.

The human influenza virus, H1N1 Swine Flu, has been reported to have spread to some of our pet population. Cats and ferrets have both tested positive for the virus, and, recently, a cat in Oregon is believed to have died from H1N1. It is important to note that the number of cases of spread is extremely small, and there is no evidence that the virus can be passed to people by pets. Although some swine have also gotten H1N1 from people, no dogs have been reported infected by this virus yet. The same rules of hygiene apply to your interactions with your dogs and cats as do your interactions with other people. If you may have H1N1, it can’t hurt to isolate yourself from your cats as much as possible until you have recovered.