Why It’s Important:
Outbreaks of canine influenza have occurred in shelters, boarding kennels, dog shows, and daycare facilities across many states​. Any dog that socializes or is in communal settings could be exposed. While many cases of dog flu are mild, some dogs become very ill – it can occasionally be fatal, especially if pneumonia develops​. Vaccination significantly reduces the chance your dog will contract the flu, and if they do, it may lessen the severity. Also, some boarding/daycare businesses now require the flu vaccine (in addition to Bordetella) due to past outbreaks​. Vaccinating your dog not only protects them but also helps prevent new flu strains from evolving and spreading. Note:Canine influenza is not known to infect humans, but it’s very contagious among dogs​.
What to Expect: The canine influenza vaccine is given as an injection under the skin. Initial vaccination for a dog flu requires two shots given about 2–4 weeks apart (this applies whether your dog is a puppy or an adult getting it for the first time)​. Your dog will then need an annual booster to maintain immunity​. If you anticipate boarding or group events, plan to complete the initial two-dose series at least a couple of weeks before exposure. The shot itself is similar to other vaccines; your dog might feel a brief pinch. Often it’s combined with other vaccine appointments. Many vets stock a bivalent vaccine that covers both H3N8 and H3N2 strains in one injection. After vaccination, it takes about 1–2 weeks for immunity to develop, and full protection comes after the second booster shot in the initial series​.
Possible Side Effects or Risks: Side effects tend to be mild and similar to other vaccines. Your dog might be a bit lethargic or have a slight fever for a day or two post-shot​. Some dogs experience a small lump at the injection site or mild soreness – monitor it, and it should resolve in a couple of weeks. Rarely, a dog might have an allergic reaction (vomiting, facial swelling, hives, difficulty breathing) – if you notice these within hours of vaccination, seek immediate veterinary care​. In clinical experience, the canine influenza vaccine’s safety profile is good; serious adverse reactions are uncommon. One thing to be aware of: if your dog was incubating the flu virus before the vaccine (or between the two initial doses), they might still come down with illness, since the vaccine won’t have had time to confer full protection. This is why timing and the booster are important. Overall, the benefits of preventing a potentially severe respiratory infection outweigh the low risk of vaccine reactions.
When to Schedule It: Timing depends on your dog’s lifestyle. If your dog regularly goes to places with many dogs (daycare, dog parks, grooming, dog-friendly events), it’s wise to vaccinate on an annual basis. Many vets include the flu vaccine as part of the routine yearly shots for social dogs. If there is an active flu outbreak in your area, you should definitely vaccinate (or boost if it’s been over 12 months). Start puppies on the flu vaccine series at around 8+ weeks old if they’ll be in high-risk environments early. Otherwise, you can discuss adding it when your pup starts training classes or going to public parks. After the initial two-shot series, mark your calendar for a yearly booster. It often coincides with the Bordetella or DHPP (distemper/parvo) boosters. If you’ve skipped a year or more, your vet might recommend doing the two-shot series again to ensure solid immunity​. Remember that flu season for dogs can be year-round, unlike human flu which is seasonal – so year-round protection is recommended​.
FAQs or Common Concerns:
- Q: My dog already gets the Bordetella vaccine. Do they need the flu vaccine too?
A: Bordetella vaccine protects against one cause of kennel cough, not canine influenza – they are different diseases. A dog can receive both vaccines (and many social dogs do). The flu vaccine specifically targets the influenza viruses (H3N8 and H3N2) that cause dog flu, which Bordetella shots don’t cover​. If your dog frequently encounters other dogs, vets often recommend both vaccines to cover the major contagious respiratory illnesses​. Each vaccine addresses a different pathogen, so one doesn’t substitute for the other. - Q: How serious is dog flu? I’ve never heard of a dog getting it in my area.
A: Canine influenza outbreaks tend to be sporadic, but when they happen, many dogs in the community can get sick quickly. In mild cases, it’s like a bad cold (cough, runny nose). In more severe cases, dogs develop high fevers and pneumonia requiring hospitalization​. About 20% of dogs may not show symptoms but can still spread the virus​. The mortality rate is low (fatalities are uncommon), but because nearly all dogs are susceptible (almost no natural immunity), an outbreak can infect a large number of dogs​. Vaccination is a proactive step – like insurance. If flu has been reported in your region or any place your dog goes (some shelters or events will announce outbreaks), vaccination becomes especially important. - Q: Do dogs need flu shots year-round, or just in winter?
A: Year-round. Unlike human influenza which tends to strike in colder months, dog flu doesn’t have a strict season. Cases can crop up any time of year. Also, indoor climates and travel can allow flu to spread in any season. Vets therefore advise annual vaccination regardless of season, and to keep up protection every year​. Don’t wait for winter – if your dog’s shot is due in the summer, get it then. Consistent yearly boosters ensure there are no gaps in immunity.
Conclusion: The canine influenza vaccine is an important addition to the preventative care of dogs with social lifestyles. It helps avoid the misery of dog flu and curtails the spread of this contagious virus. Think of how quickly human flu can race through a workplace or school – similarly, one contagious dog at a kennel can expose dozens of others before showing symptoms. By vaccinating, you not only shield your own dog from a potentially serious illness, but you also contribute to community immunity, making outbreaks less likely. Combined with good hygiene (washing hands between handling dogs, isolating coughing dogs, etc.), vaccination is our best defense against canine influenza. If you’re unsure whether your dog needs it, consider their exposure risk and ask your vet. When in doubt, err on the side of protection – the vaccine is safe, and avoiding even a moderate case of dog flu (with weeks of coughing) is well worth it. Keep that yearly flu shot on your pet care checklist to ensure your canine companion stays healthy and active all year long​.
