Dog flu is something that can occur, especially when the temperature cools down with the arrival of fall and winter. Respiratory problems result in the dog sneezing or coughing. Although not transmissible to humans, Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD), also known as canine influenza or kennel cough, is a highly contagious viral infection that strikes dogsThe main form of prevention against the disease is the flu vaccine for dogs and there are 3 variations of the drug that offer protection against the viruses that cause the disease. Have you vaccinated your puppy yet? We've put together everything you need to know about the dog flu vaccine for dogs!

How is canine flu transmitted?

Influenza in dogs is commonly caused by the Influenza A virus, but can also be caused by two other agents: Canine parainfluenza virus, Canine adenovirus type 2 and Canine herpesvirus. The pathology is transmitted by aerosol droplets containing respiratory secretions from dog coughing, sneezing and even barking. Healthy dogs in close contact with other animalsinfected in public places, such as the dog park, are at higher risk of being infected.

Canine influenza can also be transmitted indirectly through objects (toys, food and water bowls and collars, for example) or people who have been in contact with infected dogs. It is important to clean and disinfect objects that have been in contact with an infected dog to avoid exposing other dogs to the virus. Similarly, the person who has been in contact with an infected dogshould wash their hands and clean their clothes to avoid spreading the virus.

How do I know if I need to vaccinate my dog with the canine influenza vaccine?

Canine influenza is a disease that can be transmitted by contact between an infected animal and a healthy one. If your dog is in frequent contact with other dogs, he is probably vulnerable to contamination by the viruses that cause the disease and, consequently, needs to be immunized to avoid being infected. If you often take your dog for walks in dog parks, let your dog be immunized.he walks with a dog walker who takes several animals together, lodging him in dog hotels or even has the habit of taking him to the pet shop for frequent bathing, it is indicated to vaccinate your furry.

Dogs that are exposed to a lot of other dogs need to be more careful about flu prevention, and the puppy vaccine is the most effective way to protect them.

How does the dog flu vaccine work?

The canine flu vaccine aims to stimulate the dog's body to produce antibodies without having been contaminated by the virus, to strengthen the immune system's defense mechanism against the infectious agent. In the specific case of canine flu vaccines, which are made with the inactive virus, their purpose is to make the dog's body preparedWith the application of the vaccine, the body creates an immunological memory, which is the anticipated production of antibodies specific to the viral antigen, which will recognize the agent quickly in case of infection and fight it much faster and more efficiently.

Learn about the types of flu vaccine for dogs

Currently, there are three types of dog flu vaccine: the injectable, the intranasal and the oral vaccine. All varieties of the drug are quite effective and can be administered to puppies of all ages within the vaccination age range, but it is the veterinarian who should indicate the best option. See how each works:

Injectable canine influenza vaccine

The injectable vaccine is the most common type, being injected directly into the animal's tissue. In principle, it has two doses in the first year of vaccination, an interval of 15 to 21 days between doses, and must have annual reinforcements throughout the dog's life. Puppies should receive their first flu vaccine while they are still puppies, about 3 months old.

Intranasal canine influenza vaccine

The intranasal version of the vaccine is applied directly into the nose of the puppies. It can prevent up to three types of respiratory agents and has only one dose and, like the injectable, requires annual boosters.

Oral flu vaccine for puppies

The oral vaccine against canine influenza was recently launched and is still a novelty in veterinary medicine. Because it is administered orally, it is easy to administer and very effective as it reduces the occurrence, intensity, frequency and duration of flu symptoms in puppies.The first dose is applied once and requires annual boosters. The minimum age for vaccination is 8 weeks old.

Is the dog flu vaccine effective?

The canine flu vaccine is effective, but like any immunizer, it does not guarantee that your puppy will be completely immune to the disease. It reduces the chances of contagion and prevents the puppy from developing severe flu symptoms. Also, be aware of one detail about dog vaccination: it can take 7 to 15 days to take effect. This is the time that the animal's organism can take to get the vaccine.It takes time to recognize the substances and produce antibodies against the virus that causes the disease. In the meantime, the animal is still susceptible to being infected and developing the disease, even if in a mild form. Therefore, it is important to keep it away from other dogs during this period, including avoiding walks in the street.

In which cases can the dog not receive the vaccine against canine influenza?

The canine influenza vaccine is safe for most dogs, but in some cases it may be contraindicated. Generally, this contraindication is momentary, such as in cases of vaccinating puppies below the immunization age group, dogs that have very low immunity or are allergic to any component of the formula, dogs with the flu or who have recently had the disease, or dogs that have had the flu.who have a specific condition, such as chronic diseases or severe immunosuppression. The veterinarian should indicate the specific recommendation for each animal's case and decide whether immunization should be performed or not.

Side effects of the canine flu vaccine

Just like any medication, the canine flu vaccine can cause side effects in dogs. Most of the time, dogs do not show any symptoms after receiving the vaccine, but it can happen in some cases. The most common symptoms among the furry ones are swelling at the injection site, because the drug liquid is still present in the area,In addition, puppies may also become more sleepy and soft for a few hours. Loss of appetite, increased body temperature and body aches can also occur after vaccination and are considered common.

If these symptoms persist or the animal has other more severe and unusual reactions such as severe itching, swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, tremors and shortness of breath, seek urgent veterinary advice.

These acute symptoms may indicate that something is not right with the puppy and he may be having a severe allergic reaction to the components of the vaccine. To ensure that your dog does not have any problems in relation to the vaccine, it is important to perform a complete blood count before receiving the immunizer. In this way, the veterinarian will be able to assess the animal's health status and check if the vaccine is not effective.furry is high in immunity and ready to fight the infectious agent.

How to take care of your puppy after vaccination against canine flu?

Mild symptoms can be common right after vaccination, but you should take some care to alleviate your pet's discomfort. If your dog shows any reaction after receiving the vaccine, it is important to take some precautions:

- Avoid touching the application site, which may be sore and handling may make the pet's pain worse;

- Avoid picking up your dog, leave him quietly in his corner;

- If the vet has given the go-ahead, give painkillers and antipyretics in case of pain and fever;

- Let the puppy rest and sleep to recover;

- Offer fresh water and make food available;

- Keep an eye out for symptoms and, if in doubt, contact your trusted veterinarian.

Do you still need to take precautions to prevent dog flu even after vaccination?

The kennel cough immunizer is part of the list of non-mandatory vaccines. As the vaccine does not guarantee that your puppy is completely immune to the virus, it means that he is still at risk, even if small, of being infected. Therefore, you still need to follow the care protocols to prevent your puppy from catching the disease: always keep him well nourished and hydrated tostrengthen their immune system, take them regularly to the vet, avoid sharing water and food with unknown dogs, be careful when taking your dog to places with many dogs and, during the winter, protect them from the cold. Remember that the vaccine is essential, but you still need to prevent infection on a daily basis.

Issue: Luana Lopes