Influenza

Canine Influenza
Canine influenza virus is a new and contagious virus that is widespread in certain states in the US. The symptoms are similar to those caused by kennel cough and thus, there exists a risk of wrong diagnosis.

Canine influenza or dog flu refers to varieties of influenzavirus A that affect dogs.

Canine Influenza (Dog Flu): An Overview
The canine influenza virus ('CIV') is a highly contagious, newly emerging, canine-specific infectious agent which represents an unusual adaptation of the equine influenza virus.

Parainfluenza: In canines, a disease characterized by fever, vomiting and diarrhea.
Parasite: An organism that grows, feeds, and is sheltered on or in a different organism while contributing nothing to the survival of its host.

More commonly, for best protection, an intranasal vaccine containing both parainfluenza and Bordetella is used. Intranasal vaccines create localized immunity that greatly reduces the incidence of clinical signs and illness.

Dogs infected by the influenza virus can exhibit several dogs flu symptoms such as, cold, cough and runny nose. Many times, the symptoms of flu can also look somewhat similar to another condition, known as kennel cough.

6-8 weeks: Distemper, Leptospirosis, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo, and Corona virus (DHLPPC)
10-12 weeks: Second DHLPPC
14-16 weeks: Third DHLPPC and rabies
Annually: DHLPPC and rabies booster ...

The problem with vaccinations occurs when inoculation for parvo virus is given in combination with vaccines for distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, and parainfluenza (DHLP).

It is usually caused by a virus, primarily Canine adenovirus 2, canine parainfluenza virus or canine distemper virus. Canine hepatitis virus, canine reoviruses types 1,2 and 3 and canine herpesvirus also have been implied to be causative agents.

The Weimaraner Club of America recommends that puppies be vaccinated only at 8 and 12 weeks of age with four core vaccines: distemper, adenovirus 2, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. The rabies vaccination can be given at 16 weeks of age.

See also: Distemper, Rabies, Hip Dysplasia, Lupus, Bloat