What you need to know about CIV
| You may have already heard the reports about an increase in our geographical region in cases of canine influenza virus (CIV), an upper respiratory infection in dogs. Affected dogs may develop coughing, nasal discharge, fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. While clinical signs may be similar to Bordetella (commonly referred to as kennel cough), CIV in a primary viral infection and will not respond to antimicrobial therapy. Most dogs will not have complicated cases and will recover quickly with proper medical care. In some cases, however, CIV can progress to more severe disease and can require hospitalization. We are lucky to have great relationships with the local vet community, and they have kept us abreast of the alerts being circulated among them as well. While vaccinating against CIV is the best way to protect your dog from it, and a vaccine does indeed exist, unfortunately it is currently on back-order, and many local vets do not have it available, though they are hoping to be able to schedule vaccinations in about two weeks. Please be sure to follow your vet’s protocols for entering – or not entering — their facility, as canine influenza is highly contagious. Veterinarians are recommending that at-risk dogs be vaccinated as soon as possible, and indeed dogs that visit places where dogs socialize or congregate, such as doggy day care, are at risk for infectious disease. We urge you to consider this for your dog, once available. Our staff remains vigilant in all of our protocols, including enforcing not allowing any pups exhibiting symptoms to attend day care, and maintaining strict cleaning and disinfecting standards. While LMDDC has the occasional case of kennel cough and other infectious respiratory infections like any other group setting, should we experience an increase in these incidences among our doggy guests, a Health Alert will be sent out to our client base, so that you may make an informed decision about bringing your pup to day care. The number one action anyone can take to protect the dogs in our care is to not bring their dog to day care if they have observed any symptoms. We are approaching a season where we will see more dogs spending the night or staying for extended stays, such as with President’s Day weekend coming up next week or Spring Break travel next month. Every client must make the decision that is most comfortable for them, as this is a very normal risk inherent in this type of environment, and we can not guarantee any given pup won’t become ill after being exposed, especially if a dog is asymptomatic. But again, at this point, we have nothing abnormal to report, and the safety of the dogs in our care will always be our top priority. Thank you again for choosing Love My Doggy Day Care. |