May 3--The spread of canine influenza could mean boarding Fido while the family goes on vacation this summer will cost a little more.
A growing number of veterinary practices in the tri-county area are requiring canine flu vaccinations for dogs before they are boarded or receive grooming services. The inoculations cost about $20 and require a booster shot within three to four weeks.
"What people need to understand is canine flu isn't seasonal, and dogs don't have any immunity," said Dr. Tommy Gamper of Cobbs Ford Pet Health Center in Prattville. The practice began requiring the vaccine about three months ago.
"We haven't had a confirmed case in this area, but prevention is the key. If you get one animal that has the canine flu, every dog in the facility is at risk of contracting the disease."
The strain was first reported in January 2004 at a greyhound racing track in Florida, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. By August 2004, outbreaks were reported at 14 tracks in six states -- Florida, Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, West Virginia and Kansas -- according to the association. Canine influenza has been documented in 30 states.
Fatalities among healthy dogs are rare, with 80 percent of animals who are exposed recovering with no problems. Symptoms include respiratory ailments, malaise and fever. The disease can't be spread to humans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The disease can be spread through contact with food and water bowls, collars and leashes and people moving between infected and non-infected dogs. The virus can remain viable on surfaces for 36 hours, clothing for 24 hours and hands for 12 hours.
Prevention is the best way to check the spread of the disease, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Since it is a virus, treatment is largely to minimize the symptoms while the sickness runs its course.
"The disease can quickly spread among dogs that are in close contact with one another," Gamper said. "That's why we decided to require the vaccination."
Linda Hill of Wetumpka, a Cobbs Ford Pet Health Center client, plans to get the booster for her two dogs, Sadie, a Yorkshire terrier, and Sofie, a Maltese.
"I first thought it was just a reason to get money," she said. "But my vet explained to me why it was needed. So I do think it is a good idea."
Vet offices in other states require the shots as well, said Becky Steiner of Montgomery. She boards her two dogs, Wrigley, a German shepherd and golden retriever mix, and Mackey, a German shepherd and beagle mix, at an Atlanta practice.
"When the canine flu was first discovered, everyone thought it was going to be extremely deadly," she said. "Now that it's shown to not be as deadly and widespread, I don't think (required vaccination) should be necessary. I understand that boarding places want to keep the pets safe, but it should be looked at on a case-by-case basis."
Dogs can be considered contagious for two to four days after being exposed, even though they don't exhibit symptoms, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. That's why Gamper suggests vaccinations be done before they are boarded.
"People come in to drop off their dog, and they want the shot," he said. "That's better than nothing, but the vaccination is much more effective if it is given a week or two before the animal is boarded."
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