Canine Influenza is a virus that spreads just as quickly and easily as its name suggests.  It also has symptoms that you may expect, such as fever and respiratory distress.  And just as in human flu viral strains, infection and complications for your dog may range from mild to severe.

Canine Influenza is relatively new to our area, but a vaccine has been developed that can help decrease the severity of infection.  Close quarters and shared contact points create high risk situations, so we at Stream Valley strongly recommend the vaccine for pets who visit dog parks, pet stores, or other such dog-friendly areas.

Unfortunately, kennels and daycare facilities are also on the "high-risk" list.  To that end, Stream Valley Veterinary Hospital now considers the Canine Influenza vaccine to be a core vaccination, and it is required for all of our boarding and daycare canine guests.  For the first year, the vaccination is given once, then must be boostered within about three weeks.  Thereafter, the vaccination is given on an annual basis.  Our guests must be fully vaccinated (initial vaccine plus booster, then on a subsequent annual basis).

For more information about the Canine Influenza Virus and vaccine or our other vaccine/testing/preventative policies, or to schedule your dog's vaccination appointment, please give us a call at (703)723-1017.

We appreciate your time, consideration, and compliance in regards to this policy update!

~More information on the web~

From the American Animal Hospital Association:

http://www.healthypet.com/PetCare/PetCareArticle.aspx?art_key=9fa7005d-4c10-4c73-8bdc-4b9c0ae17217

http://www.healthypet.com/PetCare/PetsMatter/print.aspx?new_key=477787bf-4a51-46d1-aebb-a024068c51be&nar_key=578f4e68-98f8-440d-baf8-a6e46487467e&type=HP

From the American Veterinary Medical Association

http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/canine_bgnd.asp

From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/canine/