CANINE FLU VACCINE POLICY

Though encouraged, dogs enjoying Bark-A-Bout are not required to be fully vaccinated for the Canine Flu, (H3N2 and H3N8, killed virus) which is comprised of two doses administered two to four weeks apart from each other, and typically updated with an annual yearly booster, which includes only one shot.

How To Upload Your Vaccine Documents To Your Customer Portal

Below is some helpful information about the canine influenza vaccination.
Please note that we are not veterinarians and ask that you speak with your vet regarding any questions or concerns.

Which strains of Canine Influenza do you require protection against?

Bark-A-Bout encourages but does not require each dog to be fully vaccinated against both strains of canine influenza (H3N2 and H3N8). The “combo vaccine”(called “H3N2/H3N8 Bivalent”) combines protection against both strains of canine influenza into one serum, split up between two separate doses. To receive the full course of canine flu shots, your dog would need two separate vet visits, set two to four weeks apart. The yearly booster shot includes only one shot, annually.

My dog can’t get vaccinated…

If your dog has a pre-existing medical condition warranting exclusion of the vaccine, we will review your pet’s medical history and make accommodations on a case-by-case basis. For dogs currently participating in a customized supplementation management program through Dr. Sheppard’s Office, Bark-A-Bout will honor a release waiver from Dr. Sheppard.

Which vets carry the canine flu vaccine?
Veterinary offices in our area may carry the canine flu vaccine. Ask your vet for availability.

Can my healthy dog still get canine influenza even though they are vaccinated?

Yes. Vaccinated dogs CAN still become infected and develop the illness. The purpose of receiving the vaccine is to control the spread of the disease by reducing the severity and duration of illness and symptoms, and also to reduce the amount of virus shed by an infected dog and minimize how long they shed the virus.

My dog already had the canine flu. Does he still need to be vaccinated?

Even if your dog was stricken with Canine Influenza in the past, we still encourage your dog to receive both rounds of H3N2/H3N8 vaccines and an annual yearly booster. Vaccine manufacturers report that even if your dog has had respiratory illnesses in the past, receiving the H3N2/H3N8 vaccine will not harm your dog. However, we always advise you to speak with your pet’s vet regarding their medical history before making any changes.

According to Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Andrea Milam of Creekside Animal Hospital in Macomb, Michigan:

“As far as we have seen, we have not had any animals returning back for a vaccine reaction after receiving the influenza vaccine. The most common reactions are for pets to be a little sleepy and sore. More severe reactions are rare, however when you see them they can range from lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, hives, facial swelling, and anaphylaxis reactions. Unfortunately there is no way to know if a pet is going to have a reaction to a vaccine before giving it, and pets should be monitored after vaccines are given.”

My dog already received the Bordatella vaccination, isn’t that enough?

The Bordatella vaccine is different than the Canine Influenza vaccine. Talk with your vet to set up a vaccination regimen that works best for your pet and sticks within Bark-A-Bout’s Vaccination Requirements Policy.

Will my healthy dog be contagious after receiving the vaccination?

No. The vaccination doesn’t administer a live form of the virus, and is already inactivated (killed). The vaccine works by simply building your dog’s immune levels against both strains of the canine flu.

How is the vaccination administered?

At this time, canine flu vaccines are only available to dogs by injectable shot. You will need to set up two vet visits, three weeks apart. After these two rounds of shots are completed, vaccine manufacturers recommend annual boosters at one year later, only requiring one vet visit instead of two.

How long does the vaccine protect my dog?

One year. At the end of that year, your dog’s booster will only require one visit to the vet, with one shot.

What if the virus changes in the future?

Vaccine manufacturers update the formulations to adapt with changes to the virus.

Should my puppy receive the vaccination?

According to the vaccine manufacturer, the H3N2/H3N8 vaccination can be given to healthy dogs that are at least eight weeks old. Be sure to speak with your vet to set up a vaccination regimen for your dog.

Learn More About The Canine Flu

For questions regarding Bark-A-Bout’s upcoming Vaccination Policy changes please call Bark-A-Bout at (586)566-8900.

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CANINE FLU VACCINE POLICY

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