What is the Canine Flu? Is it the same as Kennel Cough?
Kennel Cough is a general term. More often it is caused by a bacteria called Bordetella. Sometimes the typical kennel cough is accompanied with the Parainfluenza virus (not Canine Influenza). Canine Influenza surfaced in more recent years with a major outbreak in September 2005 in our area, then another in the summer of 2008 (not as severe). There is no vaccine for Canine Influenza. There are vaccines for Bordetella (intranasal and subcutaneous). This vaccination is administered every 12 months, but some kennels or daycare require it to be administered every 6 months.
