Dear Clients,
There has been an outbreak of Canine Influenza in the Chicago area. While it currently appears to be restricted to the Chicago area, it could spread to our area. At least 5 dogs have died and more than 1,000 cases have been reported. Officials are warning the outbreak could last for several weeks.
Currently, both of our offices have the vaccine for Canine Influenza available. It can take up to a month for the vaccinations to be fully effective so now is the time to schedule! If your dog has any of the following risk factors, please call to make an appointment:
- Will be traveling to the Chicago area
- Will be around dogs coming from the Chicago area
- Frequents facilities such as doggie daycare centers, boarding or grooming facilities, dog parks, or obedience classes
- Has exposure to other dogs with unknown travel history
If you feel your dog may have already been exposed, monitor him/her for these signs of canine influenza. If signs are noted, please contact one of our offices and isolate all of your dogs for three weeks to limit the spread of this virus.
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Eye or nasal discharge
- These signs are generally mild but a small number of dogs can develop severe disease
For more information, please visit:
- CDC
- AVMA
- You can also check our Facebook pages for the latest updates and links: GHAH Facebook, WVC Facebook
Sincerely,
The doctors and staff of Germantown Hills Animal Hospital and Washington Veterinary Medical Clinic