Dog Flu Outbreak in Seattle
Call Us Today to Schedule a Vaccination
You may have heard about the recent outbreak in the Seattle area of a new type of “dog flu” affecting pets across the country. This highly contagious and potentially very serious respiratory infection is caused by the canine influenza virus H3N2.
Chances are, if your dog is exposed to H3N2, they may become infected.
Dogs that come into contact with other dogs may be at high risk of infection with H3N2. This includes dogs that are boarded, enrolled in daycare or training classes, go to groomers, or visit our local dog parks.
Dogs can spread the virus even if they don’t appear sick.
The virus can be spread dog-to-dog or through objects, including dog toys, bowls, human hands, clothing, and shoes. The severity of symptoms varies from a mild cough and runny nose to a high fever, decreased appetite, severe pneumonia, and extreme lethargy. These symptoms can persist for weeks. If you have a puppy, an elderly or pregnant dog, or a dog with a chronic illness, you should take extra precautions.
The Best Prevention is Vaccination
The Good News: Our office has vaccines available to help control illness associated with H3N2.
We also have a second vaccine for another type of canine influenza, H3N8, which is likewise capable of causing severe respiratory disease in dogs (but to date has not been reported in Seattle).
Vaccination against both types of canine flu helps ensure maximum protection. This is particularly important if you plan to board your dog in the near future or send them to a grooming or daycare facility.
We now require all dogs who stay with us for boarding, grooming, or bathing
to be vaccinated for both canine flu viruses, H3N2 and H3N8.
We are offering a new Canine Upper Respiratory Package that includes both initial flu vaccines plus the 3-week boosters.
If your dog is a current patient and up-to-date on their other vaccinations, the flu vaccines can be given during a brief complimentary nurse appointment.
For the time being, we are discontinuing day admission (drop-off) exams for sick dogs.
These are still available for cats and well dogs.
If your dog develops a cough, nasal discharge, or fever, please call us right away.
We are developing infectious disease protocols to help protect all our patients. We will advise you regarding how to bring your dog to our office to minimize the risk of infecting other patients.
If your dog becomes ill after hours, please call the Seattle Veterinary Specialty Center on Capitol Hill at (206) 624-9111.
Additional Information:
Downloadable PDF Fact Sheets
Helpful Websites