Canine Influenza Virus (CIV)
Our veterinarians are ready to identify and treat cases of CIV. If you notice any of these signs make an appointment at our clinic in Oakland by calling (510) 569-1606 or contact your regular vet to receive treatment. Do not bring your dog into a vet’s office. Alert staff and have them examine your dog in your car.
Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) is relatively new to the U.S. first identified in 2015. Canine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness. CIV is not contagious to people or cats, but can affect dogs of any breed, age, sex or health status.
What to look out for:
- Persistent sneezing
- Nasal or eye discharge
- Persistent coughing
- Reduced appetite and fever
- Talk to one of our skilled veterinarians or your private veterinarian about your dog’s risk of exposure and if the canine influenza vaccine is right for your dog.
- Avoid exposing your dog to sick dogs.
- Avoid taking your dog to areas where dogs gather.
- If your dog shows signs of illness, isolate it from other dogs and seek veterinary care.
- Wash your hands after handling any dog and especially after handling a sick dog.
- Do not share equipment or toys between sick and apparently healthy dogs.
- Make sure your pet has current ID tags with your address and phone number displayed.
- CIV is treatable with supportive care. Medications may be necessary for severe illness or secondary bacterial infections.
- Since CIV is one of many possible causes of respiratory infection, laboratory testing is necessary to definitively diagnose the virus.
- The severity of illness is not strain dependent, but depends on a dog’s age and overall health.
- The virus can be transmitted via respiratory discharge or direct contact with contaminated objects such as hands, surfaces, clothing, etc.
Canine Influenza Vaccine
The pre-exposure vaccine does not prevent the contraction of canine influenza, but may lessen its effects. The East Bay SPCA is offering the canine influenza vaccine for $25 per vaccine (given in a series of two vaccines three weeks apart). The vaccine is available at our Theodore B. Travers Family Veterinary Clinic and also at our Drop-In Vaccine Clinics.
For more information visit:
Pet Owner’s Guide to Canine Influenza (AVMA) https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/CanineInfluenza.aspx