Dogs, Cats, and Other People by Matthew Margolis

A few years ago, bird flu was the "it" pandemic. This year, the relatively innocuous swine flu took a turn behind the wheel of the 24/7 news cycle. Finally, canine influenza is getting its 15 minutes.

H3N8 isn't new, but its vaccine is. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service conditionally approved the first vaccine for the H3N8 canine influenza A virus just in time for flu season this year.

According to APHIS, "Studies indicate that the vaccine can reduce the incidence and severity of lung lesions, as well as the duration of coughing and viral shedding. The product is administered by injection, and is recommended for use in healthy dogs at 6 weeks of age or older as an aid in the control of disease associated with canine influenza virus infection."

In other words, the vaccine won't prevent your dog from contracting the flu, but it can mitigate the duration and severity of his symptoms, which could ultimately curb the spread of the virus.

A couple of things you should know:

— You, the dog owner, are unlikely to contract H3N8. To date, there are no known cases of a human contracting the flu from a canine.

— The death rate for dogs with canine flu is very low. As with humans, secondary pneumonia is the life-threatening development to be avoided. According to Discovery News, "Symptoms in dogs can include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite and a respiratory infection that may last a few weeks. One percent to 5 percent of victims die from related hemorrhagic pneumonia."

Who should get the vaccine?

In a Q and A for The New York Times, Dr. Cynda Crawford, clinical assistant professor in the Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in Gainesville, labeled the H3N8 vaccine a "lifestyle" vaccine "intended for dogs at risk for exposure to canine influenza virus, including those that participate in activities with many other dogs or those housed in communal facilities, particularly in communities where the virus is prevalent.

Dogs that may benefit from canine influenza vaccination include those that are already receiving the kennel cough vaccine for Bordetella because the risk groups are the same."

If your dog primarily stays home and is limited to walks in the neighborhood and romps in the backyard, he is at low risk for catching dog flu and probably would not benefit from the vaccine.

If, however, your dog plays in dog parks, attends group obedience classes, is enrolled in doggie daycare or will be boarded during the upcoming holiday season, he might be a prime candidate for vaccination.

H3N8 is also more dangerous for breeds predisposed to respiratory problems, as the virus further hinders their ability to breathe. "Just as obesity has proved dangerous to human flu victims because of the weight on their chests, being bred to have a short, bent respiratory tract is dangerous for dogs," explained Crawford.

Generally speaking, influenza in any species is dangerous for the very young, the very old and the infirm. Please contact your veterinarian if your dog is exhibiting symptoms such as lethargy, runny nose, fever or loss of appetite, or if you have additional questions about whether he should be vaccinated against H3N8.

Woof!

Dog trainer Matthew "Uncle Matty" Margolis is co-author of 18 books about dogs, a behaviorist, a popular radio and television guest, and host of the PBS series "WOOF! It's a Dog's Life!" Read all of Uncle Matty's columns at the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com, and visit him at www.unclematty.com. Send your questions to dearuncle.gazette@unclematty.com or by mail to Uncle Matty at P.O. Box 3300, Diamond Springs, CA 95619.

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