Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital’s Blog

Recent reports of canine influenza involve two separate viruses: H3N8 and H3N2. Previously limited to Asian countries, H3N2 swept through the Chicago area in 2015. It has since spread to thousands of dogs across the nation (and a group of domestic cats in the Midwest).

Because these viruses are relatively new, there hasn’t been enough time to build up resistant antibodies. Unfortunately, this means all dogs are at risk of contracting this dangerous illness.

An Overview

Canine influenza virus (CIV) originated in horses and spread to a group of racing greyhounds in Florida in 2004. Referred to as H3N8, this strain has infected animals in 40 different states. Continue…

After the late spring outbreak of canine influenza in the Midwest, many pet owners started to worry about their dogs and whether dog flu and other contagious diseases were a threat.

For many, illnesses such as kennel cough or canine flu haven’t been the most worrisome of diseases and therefore, this often resulted in a lax approach to vaccinations. Unfortunately, unvaccinated dogs are at risk for many illnesses and spread these to other dogs (and sometimes to other animals and humans, in the case of zoonotic illnesses). But, what about kennel cough and canine flu? Continue…