Manny the Frenchie Alerting his Friends About Dog Flu

Springtime means warmer weather across the country – it’s the perfect time to get outside, explore the neighborhood and take the dog out for a walk or a romp at the dog park. But while it’s great to give your pooch some playtime, it’s also important to remember that canine respiratory illnesses, like dog flu, are contagious year-round among social dogs and are not confined to the winter months.

In March 2015, a severe outbreak of respiratory disease affecting over 1,000 dogs in the Chicago, IL area was documented. Merck Animal Health supported the testing of over 450 dogs at that time. The samples were sent to Cornell University's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and 158 dogs were diagnosed with Dog Flu.

Shortly thereafter the virus was typed as canine influenza virus H3N2, which had never been isolated previously in the US. The virus is of avian origin and closely related to the South Korean canine influenza H3N2 strain. As of June 2017, this virus had spread to 31 states.

The signs of Dog Flu (CIV H3N8 and CIV H3N2) infections can be hard to tell from canine cough. Veterinarians are trained to diagnose the differences.

Common signs for Dog Flu

• High fever(103°F)
• Lethargy (tiredness)
• Loss of appetite
• Cough, which may be dry or may bring up sputum
• Runny nose with clear secretions at first, but may later change to a thick and yellow and/or pink-tinged color

Dog Flu cannot be distinguished from other causes of acute respiratory disease based on clinical signs alone. If your dog shows any of these signs, contact your veterinarian and avoid taking him or her anywhere (other than the veterinarian's office) until a full recovery has been made.

Diseases caused by viruses like Dog Flu are best prevented by effective vaccination.26 An effective and safe canine influenza vaccine that protects against both strains of Canine Flu (H3N8 and H3N2) is available, Nobivac® Canine Flu Bivalent.

“Social dogs are a little more at risk but there are a lot of benefits to socialization so we definitely don’t want people to stop bringing their dog out or going to dog parks or grooming facilities, doggy daycare or hiking with their dogs,” said veterinarian, Dr. Yasmine Mortsakis of New York veterinary practice. “If you do see a dog with dog flu symptoms you probably don’t want your dog to go nose to nose with them. But, this is an upper respiratory virus so they don’t even have to be in that close of contact. Shared water bowls can be a source of infection. Even the elevators, or doorman or if you touch a dog that is infected than touch another dog you can pass it on. So I think for dog owner’s prevention is really best way because there is no way to stop the virus from spreading other than the vaccine.”

Manny the Frenchie knows it’s important to be vaccinated against dog flu. “Prevention is key so talk to your vet if you have any questions and visit dogflu.com,’ said Amber Chavez, Manny’s pet parent. “It is a perfect resource that is where I looked up all my stuff and found out our vet carries the vaccine and got all the dogs vaccinated. You don’t want to be that parent that knows your dog spread it so definitely be prepaid and I would recommend vaccinating your pets.”

For more information visit DogFlu.com

Manny the Frenchie and Amber Chavez

Manny the Frenchie is the internet’s most followed bulldog and recognized by dog lovers worldwide. Born and raised in Chicago, he is known for his fun and quirky social posts and loves to meet his followers when he’s out and about with his pet parent, Amber Chavez. Since Manny is a social dog, Amber knows he’s at an increased risk for dog flu and could bring it home to her other dogs. That’s why she had Manny vaccinated against dog flu and is partnering with Merck Animal Health to help educate pet parents about this highly contagious respiratory disease.

Dr. Yasmine Mortsakis

Dr. Yasmine Mortsakis’ love for animals started in NYC providing homes to cats, hermit crabs, & even snakes. Following high school graduation, she attended The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland where she graduated with a degree in International Relations. Never forgetting her childhood passion for animals, she left her marketing position at Research International (NYC) to pursue her childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian. She completed the post-baccalaureate pre-medical program at Columbia University and was accepted at North Carolina State University – College of Veterinary Medicine. Her studies found focus in small animal behavior, soft tissue surgery and equine medicine. With a great love for NYC she returned for additional externships at the Animal Medical Center in NYC and Red Bank Veterinary Hospital. Upon graduation from veterinary school, Dr. Mortsakis returned to NYC and practiced general medicine and surgery at animal hospitals in Yonkers and New York City.

She founded New York Veterinary Practice in 2012 which is a unique practice model partnered with Biscuits & Bath doggie Daycares in 12 Manhattan locations. The practice is thriving with a team of 6 doctors and 5 veterinary assistants. To give back to the community at large she has fostered partnerships with Combat Wounded Coalition and SUDS (soldiers undertaking disabled scuba). The veterinary practice offers free exams, free wellness care (vaccines, heartworm testing, flea/tick prevention and heartworm prevention) to service dogs of U.S. veterans. Dr. Mortsakis is also very excited about the work her and her team do with NOWZAD, a veterinary clinic and rescue group in Afghanistan. They regularly send much needed supplies as well as video consult almost daily on veterinary medical cases in Kabul. They also work to bring rescues from Afghanistan to the U.S. to find their forever homes.

In her free time Dr. Mortsakis enjoys spending time with her two children, 4 dogs and 3 cats and going to museums and restaurants.

About Merck Animal Health

For more than a century, Merck, a leading global biopharmaceutical company, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world’s most challenging diseases. Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada, is the global animal health business unit of Merck. Through its commitment to the Science of Healthier Animals™, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest range of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, wellbeing and performance of animals. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter at @MerckAH.

Courtesy: Merck Animal Health