The Animal Foundation is taking a series of proactive steps to manage the H3N2 strain of Canine Influenza Virus, which is anticipated to make its way to the Las Vegas valley in the near future.
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The Animal Foundation has started vaccinating dogs currently in the shelter population for dog flu and will vaccinate all new dogs six weeks of age and older immediately upon intake to the shelter. Any dogs still in the shelter two weeks later will receive booster vaccines.
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Vaccination information and booster schedules for dogs that have left the shelter before they receive their booster vaccine will be provided to adopters, people reclaiming their dogs, transfer partners, and others. These dogs can return to the shelter’s vaccination clinic for their booster vaccine at the shelter’s cost of only $10.
Additionally, the shelter’s Low-Cost Vaccine Clinic will offer dog flu vaccines and boosters ($20 for both doses) to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis during the hours of 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. No appointments are necessary.
Dogs infected with the flu display symptoms such as coughing, sneezing and nasal discharge. It is important to know that respiratory droplets can travel more than 20 feet when an infected dog is coughing. Dogs may be contagious and spreading flu even before they show symptoms of illness, as well as up to four weeks after becoming ill, even if they have recovered themselves.
In addition to vaccinating shelter dogs, The Animal Foundation is taking precautions to try to prevent entry of the virus into the shelter population. Signage at the entrance to its Admissions Lobby will be posted asking patrons not to bring coughing dogs into the building and to instead call for assistance.
