Dog Flu and Frontline
I just got back from the Vet for Izzy's annual checkup and immunizations. I had a long talk about the Dog Flu situation and the proper use of Frontline to kill fleas and ticks.
First, dog flu is present and more prevalent than in the past. My vet noted that traveling dogs are spreading it into areas of the country. Our local news here in St. Louis reported that the Bloomington Illinois area has had an unusually higher amount of cases. Typical symptoms include coughing, heavy discharge from the nose with the potential of developing to pneumonia. The problem is the flu can be spread not only from contact with other dogs but your dog being in a area where other dogs have transversed. As a matter of fact a dog can be a carrier of the flu virus and not show any symptoms of the flu. There is a vaccine available for the current strain. It costs $22 (at my vet) and requires a booster two weeks after the initial shot. It takes about 2-4 weeks to become fully effective. The vet noted that if you board your dog or use a groomer, a shot should be strongly considered. With us camping up in the Bloomington area next week, I went ahead and got Izzy the shot. The vet said it won't be fully effective but getting the shot now will provide some protection. She said it was better than nothing. She also noted that the virus' will mutate much like the human virus does so the flu shot will be an annual affair with the vaccine changing based on what strain the veterinary community detects.
As I told her we were going camping, she asked if we were using a flea/tick repellant. I told her that we use Pet Armor which is similar to Frontline. She asked when do I apply it and I noted we do it before we depart from home. We have no tick or flea problems in our yard and or dogs spend only enough time outside to do their business. She noted at that point that Frontline type flea and tick repellent need from 7 to 14 days to get into the blood system and into the oil glands in a dogs coat. Once that gets distributed throughout the skin you have protection. She noted that's why giving your dog a bath will wash away that protection as the dog shampoo strips the skin and coat.
Thought you might find this interesting. Obviously Izzy and Curtis will get their Pet Armor dose tonight to be ready for our campout to Moraine View in a week. I'll also try to get Curtis his flu shot tomorrow if possible.
Jack
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Jack Canavera
STL Mo.
AIR #56 S/OS#15
'04 Classic 30' S.O.,'03 GMC Savana 2500
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