The dog influenza virus, H3N8, has moved into the state of Ohio recently, and owners are encouraged to have their dogs vaccinated.
The flu-vaccine is recommended for dogs who are most likely to be exposed to the highly contagious virus -- those that frequent dog parks, attend dog daycare centers, boarding kennels, training facilities, veterinary clinics, and/or dog shows and groomers (blog.cleveland.com).
Dogs initially receive two injections under the skin at least two weeks apart, then one dose every year. The vaccination was invented in 2009.
Although the vaccination is not 100 percent effective, the chance of your dog getting the canine virus is less likely if you get the shot than if you don't elect to. Symptoms may include coughing, sneezing, fever and runny nose.
H3N8 does not affect people, and most dogs fully recover on their own within two weeks, though some develop pneumonia that requires treatment, especially older dogs and puppies, said veterinarian Bob Litkovitz at Gateway Animal Clinic in Cleveland (blog.cleveland.com).
Litkovitz also added that dogs that stay home all day and take long walks in the neighborhood aren't likely to get the H3N8 virus.
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