Village Veterinary Clinic would like to inform you about a recent outbreak of canine influenza virus (CIV) in the Houston area. We have been monitoring this issue closely and had not recommended vaccination for dogs since no prior risk of exposure had been documented in our area. Though we have not had a dog test positive for CIV here at Village Veterinary Clinic, we are starting to see reports of dogs testing positive in the greater Houston area. Due to these reports, we are now recommending that dogs coming into contact with other dogs outside their own household should be vaccinated for the canine influenza virus.

There are two strains of canine influenza, referred to as H3N8 and H3N2. H3N8 was first diagnosed about 12 years ago in the United States, and the new H3N2 strain was first diagnosed in 2015 in the Midwestern states. This new influenza strain appears to spread more quickly and has just recently started to show up in Texas. Dogs can contract either canine influenza virus strain by contact with any respiratory secretions from another dog. This can be from sharing dog bowls, being around coughing or sneezing dogs, nuzzling, or even contact with contaminated clothes or owner hands that have come in contact with an infected dog. Clinical signs of the disease usually develop within 2-8 days after contact and can include coughing, sneezing, anorexia, nasal discharge, and fever.

We currently have the influenza vaccine that contains both the H3N8 and H3N2 strains of the virus and are recommending that all dogs that have exposure to other dogs be vaccinated for both strains. We are recommending the first vaccine as early as 12 weeks of age or as soon as possible for dogs older than 12 weeks with a risk of exposure. After the initial vaccine has been given, a second booster needs to be given within 2-4 weeks after the initial injection to acquire adequate immunity. After this first series of vaccines, the influenza vaccine then needs to be boostered once a year.

**We are now requiring that all patients that are boarding in our clinic be vaccinated for canine influenza to ensure that our other boarding pets and daily appointments are protected from this disease. Please call us to discuss your pet’s potential risk for exposure to canine influenza or to schedule a time to have your pet vaccinated.

Please see the following links below for more information on this disease. Feel free to call us anytime with any questions or concerns.

https://www.texvetpets.org/article/how-to-protect-your-dog-from-canine-influenza/

http://www.mypet.com/pet-care-tips/dog-flu-importance-vaccinating-pets.aspx

http://www.mypet.com/basic-pet-care/new-dog-flu.aspx

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My dog hurt her rear leg while running in park, she would not put any weight on her L rear leg. I had to carry her up the stairs to my home. I... read more

Alan C.

Dr. Landry, his veterinary colleagues, and the rest of the staff are wonderful! Dr. Landry runs a full service, first class, and deeply caring... read more

William L.

We tried a few others in the past two years and were always disappointed for various reasons, and after a lot of searching I found Village. The... read more

Amanda M.

They are first class, have been taking my pets there for well over 20 years. From the front office staff to the Drs., they take care of you, call you... read more

Louann G.

Village Veterinary Clinic from the from the receptionist to the doctors they are all so kind and caring. The doctors are all very knowledgeable and... read more

Jeannie T.

Alan C.

My dog hurt her rear leg while running in park, she would not put any weight on her L rear leg. I had to carry her up the stairs to my home. I called Village Veterinary and they got me in that day as a new client. The entire staff was very helpful and professional. The vet was kind and understanding, she took X-rays and prescribed pain meds. I was worried sick over my dogs injury and am grateful for the good folks at Village Veterinary. I’m now a loyal customer.

William L.

Dr. Landry, his veterinary colleagues, and the rest of the staff are wonderful! Dr. Landry runs a full service, first class, and deeply caring practice. He and the rest of the staff took such good care of our two Borzoi's, even Kingsley the 90+ lb drama queen. Let's just say that the staff are patient angels for trimming Kingsley's nails. I used past tense, because we recently moved to Fort Worth. The new vet has a considerable amount to live up to. My wife and I can wholeheartedly recommend Village Vet without reservation. You can rest assured and trust your pet(s) to the compassionate and expert care provided by Village Vet!

Amanda M.

We tried a few others in the past two years and were always disappointed for various reasons, and after a lot of searching I found Village. The appointments run almost always right on time, the techs are very quick despite how many questions and requests I throw their way, and the vets are thorough and patient. We’re really happy here.

Louann G.

They are first class, have been taking my pets there for well over 20 years. From the front office staff to the Drs., they take care of you, call you at home to see how your pet is doing after any type of surgery etc. I highly recommend them.

Jeannie T.

Village Veterinary Clinic from the from the receptionist to the doctors they are all so kind and caring. The doctors are all very knowledgeable and treat me and my pet as if we were family. They are all so amazing!!!

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