Canine influenza confirmed in Carson City, local vets offer walk-in vaccinations

Multiple veterinarians in Carson City are urging pet owners to vaccinate their dogs against canine influenza after confirmed cases have spread throughout the region, prompting some vets to offer walk-in vaccine clinics this weekend.

The recent rise of influenza is not just limited to humans. Northern Nevada has now seen multiple confirmed cases of at least one of the two strains of canine influenza.

— Lone Mountain Veterinary Hospital is hosting a vaccination clinic this Saturday, Feb. 10, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 780 College Pkwy. New clients can call ahead to receive the required client information sheet to help expedite the flow on Saturday. Call: 775-883-3136. The vaccine is series of two shots. Prepaid rates for both shots are $82.20. The two vaccines need to be given 2 to 4 weeks apart.

"It is a very contagious disease. If your dog is social, and goes to dog parks, doggie day care or anywhere where other dogs are in contact, then you want them covered because it is extremely contagious," said Brittnie Henry of Lone Mountain Veterinary Hospital.

— Carson Tahoe Veterinary Hospital hosts vaccination clinics on Sunday’s and Tuesday’s, 11 a.m., to 1 p.m. The canine influenza vaccination is $40 for each shot. Call: 775-883-8238.

— Quail Ridge Animal Hospital at 937 Mica Dr, Ste 18 Carson City, (775) 267-4888, offers vaccinations. In a Facebook post last month, they wrote: "There are more and more cases popping up around the country (California is right over the hill.) We do carry the Influenza vaccine so if you think your dog should get it, give us a call for an appointment."

Multiple confirmed cases of canine influenza have been diagnosed in Washoe County and at least one case of the H3N2 strain has now been confirmed in Carson City, according to Carson Tahoe Veterinary Hospital.

If you think your dog might have the flu call your veterinarian before bringing them in because they will have instructions for you to follow. It is important to avoid contact with other animals. In most cases the veterinarian will have you keep your pet in the parking lot and they will examine it inside the vehicle.

This flu is highly contagious and can pass around a neighborhood very quickly. Dog flu is spread very easily, through soft surfaces such as clothing, leashes and collars, as well as hard surfaces such as chairs and exam rooms. The virus can stay alive and contagious on surfaces for up to 48 hours, so even if your dog has no direct contact with other dogs frequenting places dogs have been might allow infection. The virus is also airborne and can infect at a distance of 20 feet.

It is wise to refrain from visiting public dog parks or putting your dog in a kennel unless they are vaccinated or until the rapid spread of canine influenza subsides.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, canine influenza (CI, or dog flu) is caused by the canine influenza virus (CIV), an influenza A virus. It is highly contagious and easily spread from infected dogs to other dogs by direct contact, nasal secretions (through barking, coughing or sneezing), contaminated objects (kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes), and by people moving between infected and uninfected dogs. Dogs of any breed, age, sex or health status are at risk of infection when exposed to the virus.

Currently, two strains of CIV have been identified in the U.S. The H3N8 strain of canine influenza was first identified in 2004 in Florida. Since then, it has been found in several other states. In 2015, the H3N2 virus strain was identified as the cause of an outbreak of canine influenza in Chicago. The virus was known to exist in Asia, but the 2015 outbreak was the first report of the H3N2 virus affecting dogs outside of Asia.

Canine influenza can occur year round. So far, there is no evidence that canine influenza infects people. 

You can view a FAQ provided by the AVMA, here.