Furbabies Need a Flu Vaccine, Too #IfThisDogCouldTalk

by Heather

Every year you hear about it. Get your flu vaccine before flu season arrives. Make sure you’re vaccinated. You don’t want to get the flu.

But what about your dog?

Boys

Did you know that dogs can get the flu, known as canine influenza? While the mortality rate is fortunately low, dogs have no natural immunity to dog flu, close to 100% of dogs that are exposed to dog flu will catch it.

The Boys

Think about that. Do you take your dog to obedience classes? Do you take your dog to the doggie park to run free for a while? Do you take your dog for walks where you pass other dogs? Do you bring your dogs to family functions (like 4th of July parties) where other members of your family bring their dogs? Do your dog’s stay in your fenced in back yard, right next to your neighbor’s dog? Do you take your dog to the Vet where there are other dogs?

Do you do anything where your dog comes in to contact with other dogs?

Chances are pretty good your dog will get sick. You know how I know? We had an outbreak where I live and one of my sister’s dogs got the dog flu. You know what I did? I got my dogs vaccinated the very next day. That was two years ago. And every year when my puppies go in for their checkup, they get a flu shot. Just like everyone else in my family.

Merck Animal Health has launched a multi-city campaign to raise awareness about dog flu. Coming to these dog parks soon:

July 23: Lake Shore East Park at 450 E. Benton Place, Chicago, IL 60601

August 13: Freedom Barkway at 523 Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

September 24: Frazier Park at 1201 W. 4th St. Ext, Charlotte, NC 28202

And if they aren’t coming to your city, you can help raise awareness by tweeting a picture of your dog using #IfThisDogCouldTalk and tagging @MerckAH.

By tweeting a photo, you are allowing Intervet Inc., d/b/a Merck Animal Health (“Merck Animal Health”) to use it at its sole discretion, including for marketing materials developed by Merck Animal Health. Once published, it will be available for viewing by any other person for as long as the published materials are in circulation.

To learn more visit www.doginfluenza.com

Felix

Speak to your vet now to see if you should get your dog vaccinated. Because by the time it spreads to your area, it might already be too late.

Disclaimer: Today’s post is a part of the Insider’s Program on Bloggy Moms. All opinions are my own.

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15 comments

jmanandmillerbug July 21, 2016 - 12:15 pm
I didn't even know this existed. I do dogs get the flu I remember the whole outbreak a couple years back, but I did not know they could get a vaccine for it.
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Robin Rue July 21, 2016 - 12:26 pm
I had no idea. Our vet has never recommended it, but then again - the humans in our house don't get the vaccine, either ;)
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Pam Wattenbarger July 21, 2016 - 12:52 pm
I have been hearing about canine influenza lately. It's so important for them to get all their shots.
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labeltwentynine July 21, 2016 - 1:06 pm
What cute babies you've got there! This is great information that I will definitely be passing on to my dog-owner friends. I have two lovely little kitties myself, after researching I found out that cats should be vaccinated for the flu as well, I didn't even know. Thanks for the info.
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Jen July 21, 2016 - 1:39 pm
I was clueless about this until last year. With a daughter who works at the vets, I understand now how important it is!
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Amanda July 21, 2016 - 5:18 pm
The dog flu can be so scary. That's one of the reasons why we have been avoiding sending our dog to doggy day care lately since we want to keep her safe and healthy.
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William Sweeney July 21, 2016 - 6:52 pm
What an amazing vaccine! It is amazing how fast the dog flu can spread among dogs.
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Bella July 21, 2016 - 8:34 pm
I had no idea that anyone get flu shots for their dogs! I will have to look into this more because I can't imagine them getting sick.
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Sarah July 21, 2016 - 8:59 pm
I had no idea that pets needed a flu shot too. That's kinda crazy, glad to read this and learn about it. Will have to ask my vet.
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Nancy at Whispered Inspirations July 22, 2016 - 10:21 am
I always make sure that they are up to date on their shots and for kennel cough. I never knew you could get a flu shot for them!
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uprunforlife July 22, 2016 - 3:06 pm
I haven't heard of this strain yet. I was just in the vets office a few months ago and they didn't mention it. I'll have to check into it. I have three fur kids.
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Susan Quackenbush July 23, 2016 - 2:55 pm
This is news to my ears! But very important for all of us pet owners to be aware of proper vaccinations! Thank you for sharing!
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Mariah Leeson July 24, 2016 - 2:14 pm
I don't have pets so I certainly would have never thought about them needing a vaccine too. I am definitely going to share this with my sister who has three fur babies.
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Miss Angie (@MySoCalledChaos) July 24, 2016 - 3:08 pm
I didn't know that dogs can get the flu, that's so crazy! I need to get my Bub into the vet soon.
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Dana Peller (@Pellerini) July 24, 2016 - 3:16 pm
I truly didn't know that dogs need flu shots. I need to get one for my furbaby....my vet never even mentioned it!
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