How Long Does Dog Flu Last
Most dogs who get sick from dog flu only develop a mild form of the disease and recover within 2-3 weeks.6 Dogs with shorter snouts like pugs and french bulldogs often have a more difficult time overcoming the flu due to the anatomy of their respiratory tract.7
Some dogs may develop secondary infections that cause very serious illnesses like pneumonia. Puppies, older dogs, and dogs with compromised immune systems are most at risk.
Why Should I Vaccinate My Dog
Its best to have your dog receive their necessary vaccinations on schedule, early in life, so they get off to a good start and have a chance at great long-term health.
Diseases, including parvovirus, rabies and hepatitis can quickly cause serious health issues, and even be fatal – especially in puppies.
Vaccines will help prevent your dog from developing these conditions in the first place, which we always prefer to treating them once your pup starts to exhibit symptoms – both because these diseases negatively impact your pets health and because treatment can be expensive.
Can Canine Influenza Viruses Infect People
In general, canine influenza viruses are thought to pose a low threat to people. To date, there is no evidence of spread of canine influenza viruses from dogs to people and there has not been a single reported case of human infection with a canine influenza virus in the U.S. or worldwide. In 2016, CDC used the Influenza Risk Assessment Tool to evaluate the potential pandemic risk of canine influenza H3N2 viruses and found it to be low.
However, influenza viruses are constantly changing and it is possible that a canine influenza virus could change so that it could infect people and spread easily between people. Human infections with novel influenza A viruses against which the human population has little immunity are concerning when they occur because of the potential that a pandemic could result. For this reason, the World Health Organization global surveillance system has led to detection of human infections by novel influenza A viruses of animal-origin , but to date, no human infections with canine influenza A viruses have been identified.
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How Can I Prevent My Pet From Having A Reaction To Getting Their Shots
Vaccines are an important part of protecting your cat or dog’s overall health. The risk of your pet having a serious reaction to a vaccine is very low.
If your furry companion has had a reaction to vaccines in the past, be sure to let your vet know. Your veterinarian might recommend skipping a specific vaccination in future.
In smaller dogs, the risk of having a reaction to vaccines is increased when multiple vaccinations are given at once. If your pup is a small or miniature breed dog, your vet might suggest getting your puppy’s shots done over the course of several days rather than all at the same time.
Canine Flu: What Should You Be Afraid Of
Over the past few months TV stations and newspapers have been full of warnings about the canine flu epidemic, especially in cities like Chicago, where they said 1,500 dogs got the flu in one outbreak.
Some articles called it the deadly dog flu though they didnt actually report how many dogs had actually died from it.
Even the New York Times ran a story about canine flu. They warned that 80 percent of dogs who get the virus become ill. And they described how vet clinics were being overwhelmed by dogs with high fevers, hacking coughs, copiously dripping noses, runny eyes, lethargy and loss of appetite.
Ugh that sounds nasty and you dont want your dog to get it.
Veterinary clinics are making it sound pretty scary too. They have posters explaining how sick dogs can get, and they put signs in their windows advertising Canine Flu Shots HERE.
The two companies who make dog flu vaccines are also providing lots of information about the epidemic. They describe how easily the flu can be spread and they keep track of the latest state to have an outbreak.
So lets dig a little deeper and see how bad this epidemic really is. And lets also take a look at whether you should get your dog a flu shot.
First, a bit of history about the two viruses going around.
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Should You Vaccinate Against Canine Flu
Even so, when you see all the alarming information from the media, veterinarians and vaccine manufacturers, you may be wondering whether you should vaccinate your dog against canine influenza. Vaccination is always a personal decision, so heres some information to help with your choice.
Remember, there are two different canine flu viruses the original H3N8 and the newer H3N2. Until recently, the only vaccinations available were for the H3N8 virus, so they werent effective against the H3N2 virus.
At the end of 2015 two companies, Merck and Zoetis, rushed H3N2 vaccines to market. But these new vaccines only have conditional licenses from the US Department of Agriculture .
What that means is that studies of the vaccines are still in process, so we dont have any data about the efficacy and safety of these shots. Mercks website states about its H3N2 vaccine: This vaccine has a reasonable expectation of efficacy and safety.
Thats what they have to tell the USDA to get the conditional licensing. But its not very reassuring, especially given what we know about vaccination risks and side effects and the very low effectiveness of flu vaccines.
Rare Side Effects Of Rabies Vaccine In Dogs
Even though it’s rare, a dog can have a severe reaction to the rabies vaccine. This typically isn’t because there’s something wrong with the vaccine itself, but is due to an overreaction of the dog’s immune system.
Serious side effects usually start immediately after or within one to two hours of vaccination.
Rare reactions to the rabies vaccine include:
- Hives, which appear as firm lumps all over the dog’s body and may or may not be itchy
- Vomiting
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What Are The Symptoms Of Canine Influenza
Symptoms of the flu differ between dogs, so not all of them will display the same signs, but these are the most common ones:
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A soft, dry cough that persists for 10 to 21 days despite treatment
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Nasal congestion and/or thick nasal discharge
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Fever
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Lethargy
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Poor appetite
If your dog shows signs of the flu, take them to your veterinarian. To reduce its spread, ask the reception staff if you should stay in the car until they’re ready for the exam, and enter and exit by a side door if possible.
Influenza can be mistaken for kennel cough . Bacteria like Bordetella and Mycoplasma and viruses such as parainfluenza, canine distemper, and canine adenovirus-2 present similarly.
Dogs with influenza, however, often spike fevers. You can monitor your pupâs temperature using a rectal thermometer, ideally every four to six hours to make sure it stays below 103°F. A high-grade fever and increased respiratory rate and effort could mean that your dog is developing pneumonia your vet will most likely recommend chest x-rays to screen for this.
Treatment for the flu is supportive care. Based on your dogâs exam and signs, it may include antibiotics for secondary infections, fluid therapy, nutritional support, appetite stimulants, and dog-specific fever-reducing anti-inflammatory drugs. Most importantly, keep your sick dog home and away from other dogs for at least four weeks. If you have multiple, even those who seem healthy should also be quarantined.
What Are Vaccine Reactions In Dogs
There are different types of vaccine reactions in dogs and depend on the type of immune response. These include non-allergic vaccine reactions, hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis reactions.
Non-allergic vaccine reactions: These vaccine reactions are caused by the vaccine and injection itself and not by the dog’s immune system. They are more common with certain types of vaccines, such as live virus vaccines. Non-allergic vaccine reactions in dogs can occur at any age.
Hypersensitivity reactions: These vaccine reactions are caused by the dog’s immune system and are more severe than non-allergic vaccine reactions. They are more common with certain types of vaccines, such as those containing adjuvants. Hypersensitivity reactions can also be caused by vaccine components, such as preservatives. Hypersensitivity reactions typically occur in puppies after the second or third booster.
Anaphylaxis vaccine reactions: These vaccine reactions are the most severe and can be life-threatening. Anaphylaxis vaccine reactions occur when the dog’s immune system overreacts to the vaccine. They are more common with certain types of vaccines, such as those containing adjuvants or preservatives. Anaphylaxis vaccine reactions typically occur in puppies after the second or third booster.
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What If A Dog Misses Or Is Delayed In Receiving A Dose
Initial course: a maximum of 6 weeks can pass between the first and second CIV vaccine doses, at which point the initial course must be restarted.
Booster: the annual canine influenza vaccine booster can lapse up to a maximum of 18 months after the last vaccination, at which point an initial course of two doses must be restarted.
What Kinds Of Side Effects Can Pets Get From Shots
The majority of the side effects dogs and cats get from vaccines are short in duration and generally mild making them far less dangerous than the illnesses the vaccinations protect them from. Following we have listed some of the most common side effects pets get after being vaccinated:
Lethargy & Slight Fever
- Lethargy, a slight fever, and some mild discomfort are the most common side effects pets get from vaccines. This can be characterized by your pet not acting like their usual self. This is a normal reaction to vaccinations, and the symptoms should be mild and only last one or two days. If your dog or cat isn’t acting like themselves in a couple of days, call your vet for advice.
Localized Swelling
- Lumps and bumps are common side effects in both cats and dogs. Sometimes a small, firm bump will develop at the spot where the needle pierced the skin. This is a normal response however pet owners should monitor the area to make sure that the lump doesn’t get bigger or display signs of inflammation, oozing, or infection. The lump shouldn’t be painful and should gradually disappear in about a week. If the lump shows signs of infection or hasn’t gone away after a week has passed contact your veterinarian.
Sneezing & Cold Like Symptoms
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Nobivac Canine Flu Bivalent Provides Dual Protection Against Canine Influenza
Canine Influenza Viruses .
- 2 in 1 protection against canine influenza which facilitates vaccination protocols
- Reduces the incidence and severity of coughing86
- Demonstrates protection against the formation and severity of lung lesions86
- Contains inactivated virus. Adjuvanted to enhance immune response
INDICATIONS:
This product has been shown to be effective for vaccination of healthy dogs 7 weeks of age or older against canine influenza virus.
The True Vaccine Danger List
In case you are wondering what the real dangers of vaccination are, we will share with you a list complied by veterinary immunologist Dr. Ronald Schultz.
Dr. Schultz has vaccinated thousands of animals during his clinical research and although he advocates vaccines, he tempers that recommendation with a realistic view of their inherent dangers.
Here is Dr. Schultz list:
Common Reactions:
Safety studies on vaccinations are limited to short time periods only: several days to several weeks. says Dr. Harold Buttram MD. There are NO long term safety studies on any vaccination or immunization. For this reason, there are valid grounds for suspecting that many delayed-type vaccine reactions may be taking place unrecognized as to their true nature.
The AVMA and AAHA continue to recommend over-vaccination for our pets, despite the fact that there is scant evidence that they prevent less disease than they cause. Is this because they are not aware of the potential dangers of vaccines?
Its not a warm and fuzzy feeling, thinking that the veterinary associations dont understand the dangers associated with vaccines. But it beats the alternative: that they are aware of the dangers but recommend over-vaccination anyway.
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Is There A Risk Of Reactions In Dogs With Immune
For dogs with immune-mediated diseases, there is a theoretical risk that vaccination could induce a relapse of that disease. However, research has not proven a link between vaccination and the development of these diseases.
In fact, for dogs with the most common immune-mediated disease, immunemediated hemolytic anemia, the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine says, current vaccination strategies generally are safe, but adds that individual patients should be assessed by a veterinarian when weighing the risks and benefits of vaccination.
The Avma Vaccine Dangers List
It is common for pets to experience some or all of the following mild side effects after receiving a vaccine, usually starting within hours of the vaccination.
If these side effects last for more than a day or two, or cause your pet significant discomfort, it is important for you to contact your veterinarian:
More serious, but less common side effects, such as allergic reactions, may occur within minutes to hours after vaccination. These reactions can be life-threatening and are medical emergencies.
Seek veterinary care immediately if any of these signs develop:
A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. It should start to disappear within a couple weeks. If it persists more than three weeks, or seems to be getting larger, you should contact your veterinarian.
Always inform your veterinarian if your pet has had prior reactions to any vaccine or medication. If in doubt, wait for 30-60 minutes following vaccination before taking your pet home.
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How To Treat Dog Flu
There isnt a specific treatment for dog flu rather, general supportive care is given, especially if your dog is only mildly affected.
If your dog has more severe symptoms or evidence of pneumonia, he may be treated in the hospital with antibiotics , intravenous or subcutaneous fluids, oxygen therapy, and fever-lowering NSAIDs. Your dog may also be isolated in a low-stress environment to prevent further spread and to help minimize his anxiety.
Common Dog Vaccine Side Effects
A dog vaccine can sometimes produce adverse side effects. In many cases, a vaccine is simply a strain of the virus modified to allow the dog’s immune system to fight and destroy it. The immune system builds antibodies which will fight off any future invasion of this virus, thus rendering the dog “immune” to the virus. However, in this process the dog can sometimes display side effects of the disease or virus itself, and some dogs appear to “get sick” for a day or two after being inoculated.
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Vaccine Reactions In Dogs: What To Look For And How To Respond
Vaccine reactions in dogs are thankfully rare, but it is important for dog owners to be aware of the symptoms just in case their dog does have a reaction. Vaccine reactions can occur with any vaccine but are most commonly seen during puppy vaccine series. Symptoms of a vaccine reaction can vary from mild to severe . In this blog post, we’ll discuss the symptoms of a vaccine reaction in dogs, and what you should do if you think your dog has had a reaction.
What Side Effects Or Adverse Events Have Been Reported
All available CIV vaccines have a good track record for safety. A field study for Nobivac® bivalent CIV vaccine showed safety in 300 dogs. In a study using the Vanguard® H3N8 vaccine in 691 dogs, no serious adverse events were reported. 4% of dogs showed minor discomfort.
Up to ten days post-vaccination, 1.3% of dogs showed minor adverse events considered typical for vaccination.
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Can A Dog Have A Reaction To The Bordetella Vaccine How Long Do Side Effects Last
Mild adverse reactions are not only possible when having your pup vaccinated but should be expected. Reactions are generally mild and short-lived, so while it can be stressful to see your dog suffering through side effects, it’s important to remember that they are healthier and safer for it.
Understanding what to expect post-vaccine will make the process less stressful for both you and your dog. Below is a list of the most common side effects your dog could experience from the Bordetella vaccination.
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Lethargy
- The most common reaction a dog will have to receive the Bordetella vaccine is a feeling of malaise, lethargy, or discomfort, often accompanied by a very mild fever. This reaction arises as a side effect of the dog’s immune system working to respond to the vaccine appropriately. These symptoms are quite normal and should only last one or two days.
Lumps & Bumps
Sneezing & Cold Like Symptoms