Can my dog catch avian flu from birds? He's vaccinated and indoors.

This type of virus usually affects very young or immuno- compromised dogs and cats and in my experience this possibility is not likely at all, especially in healthy patients. A vaccination exists for them as well as for us. I would recommend to have this matter discussed with your local veterinarian, as no course of action (a part from normal hygiene measures like wash your hands) may be needed.

There are a few rare cases of dogs catching the flu from their humans, but generally the answer is no. I would recommend having a family member take him to his vet for a check up to see what's going on.

I'm not sure what exactly your veterinarian told you that was confusing, but there are two strains of canine influenza that have caused disease in recent years: H3N8 and H3N2. The second seems to be the most clinically relevant and as far as I know is the cause of all flu outbreaks this year. There is a newer vaccine that covers both H3N8 and H3N2, or you can get each vaccine separately. Parainfluenza is indeed a different virus. The canine influenza vaccine (both strains) is not considered a 'core' vaccine, meaning that dogs who are not at risk (primarily those that are not around large groups of other dogs) probably don't need this vaccine. This might be why your veterinarian said FlynnLee was up to date on vaccines but potentially did not have the influenza vaccine.

It is highly unlikely that your dog touching a bird will cause any illness. While there is no way to know with certainty, dogs are always outside touching things they shouldn't be, and eating gross stuff like animal poop, carcasses, and puddle water. Their immune systems are built much tougher than ours fortunately, so unless you start seeing any clinical signs of illness I would not spend too much time worrying about this. Hope this helps!

It is unlikely that he caught the flu from you. It's more likely he had a touch of gastroenteritis. If he is eating and drinking and not vomiting he should be over the worst of it. If it starts again take him to the vet in case something else is going on.

The Canine Flu vaccine is initially two vaccines given 3-4 weeks apaRt. After that, it is a yearly vaccine. If your dog has increased risk of exposure, she should be vaccinated. Dogs with increased risk are dogs that board frequently, go to daycare or dog parks regularly or get groomed regularly.

Sure. There is no reason to avoid vaccination after she’s eaten a dead bird. However, none of the vaccines she receives are for diseases that she could get from birds, if that’s what you’re asking. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!