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.”
