Doerr Veterinary Clinic Warns of Canine Flu Outbreak in Kentucky

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Sept. 15, 2017 -- Doerr Animal Clinic is reporting that the outbreak of a new dog flu, the H3N8 strain, has reached Kentucky.  At Doerr Animal Clinic we have had 4 confirmed cases that were treated outside in the parking lot due to how highly contagious it is.  It spreads quickly and can be potentially fatal.  The clinic wants pet owners to know that dogs will need an extra vaccine to protect against this strain since the usual dog flu vaccine only covers H3N2 and the immunity does not transfer to the "N8" variant.

While most animals that come in for vaccines are healthy, Doerr Animal Clinic isn't taking any chances with the H3N8 dog flu. In fact, when a dog arrives at the clinic that is coughing, has a fever or lethargic, the staff meets them in the parking lot wearing full-coverage outfits. This lets them vaccinate pets without taking the risk of letting an already-existing infection enter the clinic.

"So far, we've vaccinated over 400 dogs. That's just in the last month. Everyone is worried about H3N8, and for good reason – it causes coughing, fever, lethargy and could be fatal.  We're doing everything we can to get dogs safely vaccinated.  Along with our outdoor treatment of potentially infected dogs, we also require vaccination against both strains of dog flu before accepting any dogs for boarding or grooming," explained Dr. Pat Turns, owner of Doerr Animal Clinic.

The canine flu can spread quite quickly among canines.  We highly recommend to clients to have their dog vaccinated if they take their dog to dog parks, board at other facilities than ours, or walk their dog in their own neighborhood (this particular strain of flu can be transmitted by another dog 20 feet away).

"No pet owner should assume that their animals won't ever come in close contact with infected dogs. This is why we recommend that dogs and other pets have all of their standard vaccines as well as those that are given to combat unexpected outbreaks like H3N8.  This way, pets are protected against historically common threats as well as sudden disease risks," Dr. Turns said.

Dog owners wishing to get their canines immunized against the H3N8 canine flu strain or any other contagious disease should contact Doerr Animal Clinic for appointments. It only takes a few minutes for a pet to be vaccinated.

About Doerr Animal Clinic

Doerr Animal Clinic is home to Dr. Pat Turns and Dr. Rachel Cohn.  It offers canine flu vaccines, routine veterinary care, diagnostic imaging, surgery, boarding, and more.  The clinic is located in Louisville, KY and offers convenient hours Monday through Saturday.

Doerr Animal Clinic
2050 Herr Lane
Louisville, KY 40222
(502) 425-1275