Flu season: Are your pets fully vaccinated?
Kittens should receive two doses of the vaccine at eight and ten weeks.
As the cold season sets in, pet owners might worry about whether their furry friends can catch the flu. Dr Kelvin Mwangi, a veterinary surgeon, explains that cats and dogs are susceptible to flu-like conditions. For cats, the flu is caused by the feline calicivirus, while in dogs, it is often caused by the parvovirus and can present as pneumonia.
Dr Mwangi emphasizes the importance of vaccination in preventing these illnesses. “Kittens should receive two doses of the vaccine at eight and ten weeks. Afterwards, they should get vaccinated once every year,” he advises. “For puppies, the vaccination schedule is crucial. The initial parvo vaccine is given at six weeks, followed by a second dose after two weeks. At twelve weeks, they receive the DHLP vaccine, which covers canine distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, and parvovirus, along with a rabies vaccination. Rabies and DHLP vaccines need to be administered annually.”
Dr Mwangi explains that while viruses are not typically fatal, they can weaken the immune system, making pets more vulnerable to opportunistic diseases.
So, how can you tell if your pet has the flu? Dr Mwangi lists several symptoms to watch for: diarrhea, difficulty breathing, respiratory issues, a swollen abdomen, vomiting, and dehydration. “You may also notice a behaviour change. A normally playful pet may become withdrawn and less affectionate. They can also exude a loss of appetite or reduced interest in food.”
While prevention is always the best option, Dr Mwangi notes that prompt treatment can make a significant difference. “The goal is to manage symptoms as they appear. The treatment for pets include fluid therapy, systemic antibiotic, antihistamines and immune boosters.”
Pet flu tends to develop slowly, with an incubation period of around seven to ten days. It is a silent killer hence immediate intervention is crucial once symptoms are detected. A pet can easily die within three or four days of contracting the virus, especially the young ones and the older pets.
Dr. Mwangi reassures that pet flu does not transmit to humans. “There is no interspecies transmission among pets. A dog cannot infect a cat or a human. The only risk to humans is if you don’t sanitize after handling a sick pet, which might lead to regular gastrointestinal issues.” Dr Mwangi says that by staying vigilant and following vaccination schedules, you can help ensure your pets stay healthy and protected throughout the cold season.
