Does my dog need a flu shot? Is the canine flu vaccine annual?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your dog. An initial influenza vaccine is given and then a booster vaccine is required 2-4 weeks later. They are the same vaccine, but given at this interval in order to properly stimulate the dog's immune system. So even though your dog accidentally received a second vaccine, a booster will still be required at the proper interval for full protection. I hope this information helps!

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.

If Max will have exposure to a lot of other dogs in close quarters like doggie daycare, boarding, grooming, dog parks, training classes, etc. then he should probably be vaccinated against influenza. If he is mostly a house dog with minimal exposure to other dogs then it is not really necessary.

Hi there. In general, it's recommended to give the second booster in 3-4 weeks because this is the optimal window of time for the immune system to respond appropriately. You can't wait too long, or the initial response will have completely died down and the booster won't be effective. It's generally okay to wait up to 6 weeks to give the booster if needed, but I wouldn't recommend waiting longer than that. Waiting until April 27th would likely be pushing it a bit, so I would try to get her in within the 6 week window if possible.

Kennel cough vaccines are generally a single dose every 12montgs and ideally i would not give 3days either side of an anesthetic or surgical procedure. It should be administered 7-10days before mixing with other dogs such s in kennels, classes or shows

Vaccine recommendations to partially depend upon his lifestyle and where you live. Also, that second vaccine should have been given in a 2 to 4 week window from the initial vaccine. If it was given later than four weeks after the first vaccine, he will need booster vaccines within a 2 to 4 week window. Assuming he was given the vaccines at the appropriate time, Kai should get another DHLPP and a rabies vaccine. If he gets groomed, goes to the park or has contact with other dogs in general, you may consider getting a kennel cough vaccine. Other vaccines are for Lyme disease and Influenza (dog flu). Your local veterinarian can discuss if these diseases are present in your area and what potential risk factors exist. You may be able to find lower cost vaccinations at a low-cost vaccine clinic or a vaccine clinic in general. You can generally find information online. Please feel free to post any additional questions.

I recommend double checking with your primary vet since they know more about her specific history, but I would wait until she is symptom free and back to her normal self for a week before vaccinating. Hope this helps!