To stop the spread of dog flu, this pet resort requires dogs be vaccinated

Concern over canine influenza continues to grow in Fresno as one of the city’s leading board-and-care facilities is requiring all dogs to be vaccinated against the flu.

Elaine’s Pet Resorts, with locations in Fresno and Madera, recently announced to its customers that in order to help prevent the spread of the dog flu, all dogs must receive the first part of the vaccine by Feb. 15 and the second part by March 1.

“Our first priority is the health and safety of the pets that visit Elaine’s,” said Howard Nestell, chief executive officer of Elaine’s Pet Resorts. “We understand the burden this may place on some guests, but after conversations with several leading veterinarians we determined this would be best for all our guests.”

Elaine’s vaccine protocol will require the two known strains of canine influenza, H3N2 & H3N8, are covered. The schedule for CIV vaccinations requires two separate shots approximately two to four weeks apart. Like with the human flu, the vaccine won’t prevent your dog from getting the flu, but it will protect against the severity of the symptoms and the longevity of the virus shedding period, Elaine’s wrote to its customers.

Along with requiring a vaccine, Elaine’s will screen all reservation requests, temporarily eliminate dog-to-dog contact, and manage guest movement and contact within the resort.

In the past two months, the dog flu has popped up in several states including California, where 70 dogs have tested positive, according to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Veterinarians say that while the flu can make your dog feel miserable, just like the human version does, it’s fatal in only about 10 percent of the cases. It is recommended for dogs that are being boarded or are around other dogs on a regular basis.

The doctors at Waterhouse Animal Hospital, 1115 E. Champlain Ave., said they have seen several cases of the new virus recently, and some dogs have been hospitalized due to pneumonia. The animal hospital has vaccine that covers both strains of the virus.

It is recommended that if your pet is showing symptoms, including persistent cough, nasal discharge, lethargy, fever and loss of appetite, contact your veterinarian.

This story was originally published January 31, 2018 at 3:49 PM with the headline "To stop the spread of dog flu, this pet resort requires dogs be vaccinated."