As of November 1, LAH will be requiring all boarding dogs to have the Canine InfluenzaVirus (CIV) vaccine.

Due to the growing prevalence and highly contagious nature of CIV H3N2 and H3N8, we are adding it to our core vaccines. We recommend that all dogs who may be considered high risk be vaccinated for CIV.

What is Canine Influenza?

Canine Influenza, also known as dog, flu is a contagious virus that infects dogs. There are 2 different strains of dog flu: H3N8 virus and H3N2 virus. The new strain, H3N2, was found in the United States in April 2015 and is affecting dogs in cities all around Tennessee. The signs of the flu include fever, coughing, running nose, lethargy, eye discharge, and reduced appetite. Most dogs will show symptoms but some show none at all. Most dogs with the flu recover within 2 to 3 weeks. Depending on the dog, some may develop secondary bacterial infections which could lead to pneumonia.

The flu is mostly spread through kennels and shelters. Dogs that are coughing and sneezing can spread the flu through aerosolized respiratory secretions. They can also be infected by contaminated objects. Be sure to clean and disinfect clothing and surfaces. If your dog has the flu he/she will be treated with medication and fluids. Medication to keep your dog comfortable and fluids to keep them hydrated. Vaccines are recommended and are being required by Lebanon Animal Hospital and some surrounding boarding and grooming facilities in Middle Tennessee. A vaccine is now available to protect against both strains of canine flu. Patients who have not had the vaccine before will require 2 vaccines given 2-4 weeks apart to be protected. Please contact your local veterinarian for more information on the vaccine and current information on the flu can be found at flu.com.