Contagious for Dogs, Costly to Your Business

Dog Flu is a highly contagious respiratory disease.
Care for your customers and care for your business. Require vaccination.

A HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS RESPIRATORY DISEASE

All it takes is one infected dog, or one infected surface, for a Dog Flu outbreak to begin.

It can happen at the dog park, on the street, or in your facility. Cases of Dog Flu have been confirmed in nearly every state in the United States.

Contagious for Dogs

Dog Flu, also referred to as canine influenza virus, or CIV, is highly contagious and rapidly spread by a combination of aerosols, droplets, and direct contact with respiratory secretions or contaminated fomites. Unlike Bordetella, there is no treatment other than supportive treatment.

Sneezing, coughing, and nasal discharge can cause Dog Flu virus particles to form suspensions that may remain airborne for prolonged periods of time. Those particles settle on surfaces -- food bowls, water bowls, work surfaces, and anywhere else that might come in contact with an infected dog.2, 23

Due to the particular way this virus spreads, pet professionals must be cautious, aware and follow prevention and containment protocols. Watch your client's pets for signs of illness.

Walking dogs in the city

Costly to Your Business

A Dog Flu outbreak can affect many dogs and have a major impact on a facility. Cleanup can be costly, the facility may face a temporary shutdown, and its reputation can be tarnished. It's important to watch for clinical signs of the disease, but prevention is the best treatment of all.

The Best Treatment Approach to
Dog Flu is Effective Prevention

Vaccination

About 25% of pet care facilities are now requiring a canine influenza vaccine for pets prior to admission.3 Requiring a vaccine, such as Nobivac® Canine Flu Bivalent from Merck Animal Health, can help keep your client's pets — and your business — healthy.

Other Preventative Measures

Educating staff and dog owners about protocols for preventing the spread of Dog Flu is critical to an overall management strategy.

For Professionals
Infectous Disease Handbook image

The Infectious Disease Handbook, Powered by Nobivac

Stay on top of preventive care, and keep your business free from an outbreak, with this free handbook from medical and industry professionals

H4HP

Heroes for Healthy Pets™ Certification Program for Pet Professionals

Created to help veterinary professionals and pet businesses create facilities dedicated to being disease free

VETgirl

VETgirl Facebook Live

See VETgirl talk about Dog Flu and how you can care for your dog in this 30-minute live video

Paper List

AAHA Lifestyle Based Vaccination Calculator

Update your vaccination protocol using the new AAHA Lifestyle Based Vaccination Calculator

Dog Paw

Kennel & Boarding Safety Recommendations

AAHA reports on how kennels and boarding facilities are reacting to the Dog Flu outbreak

MORE PROFESSIONAL TOOLS & VIDEOS

Clinic Tools

Train your team or educate your pet community with these downloads and resources

Videos

Watch education and prevention videos

TESTIMONIALS

Learn from what other pet owners and professionals have experienced.

2. Crawford C, Spindel M. Canine influenza. In: Miller L, Hurley K, eds. Infectious Disease Management in Animal Shelters. Ames, IA: Wiley-Blackwell; 2009:173-180.

3. Data on file, Merck Animal Health.

23. Tellier R. Review of aerosol transmission of influenza A virus. Emerg Infect Dis. 2006;12:1657-1662.

FAQs

Read common questions about Dog Flu strains, spread and vaccinations.

About Dog Flu

Read more about Dog Flu origins, treatment, symptoms and prevention.

Locate a Veterinarian

Speak to a pet professional about vaccination and other preventive measures.

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