Traveling Pup? What You Should Know About the Canine Influenza Vaccine
When traveling with your dog, there’s plenty of essentials to pack — treats, toys, travel carrier, and food. Except there’s one thing you might not know your pet might need when they travel: the canine influenza vaccine.
At PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic in Dubuque, we don’t recommend every non-core vaccine for every pet — and canine influenza is a great example. It’s not common here in our area, but depending on your travel plans, it may be an important part of your dog’s protection plan.
What Is Canine Influenza?
Canine influenza (also known as “dog flu”) is a contagious respiratory virus that spreads through coughing, sneezing, or contact with contaminated surfaces like food bowls or shared toys. It’s not the same as kennel cough — although the symptoms can be similar — and outbreaks tend to occur in places with large, dense dog populations.
Most dogs experience:
- Coughing
- Runny nose
- Lethargy
- Mild fever
Some dogs, especially seniors or those with underlying conditions, can develop more serious complications like pneumonia. And just like the human flu, it can spread rapidly once it gets going.
Is It Common in Dubuque?
Thankfully, canine influenza is rare in our region. We don’t routinely see cases at PetMed of Key West, and most dogs living a local lifestyle — going for walks, visiting the dog park, or playing in the yard — don’t need the vaccine. That said, it does crop up in major cities, airports, and boarding facilities — especially those with high turnover or dogs arriving from different parts of the country.
Who Should Get the Canine Influenza Vaccine?
At PetMed of Key West, we only recommend the canine influenza vaccine for dogs who:
- Travel to or through large cities, especially those with known outbreaks (e.g., Chicago, St. Louis)
- Stay in boarding facilities that require or recommend it
- Visit dog shows, competitions, or large dog gatherings
- Travel through airports, especially if flying in cargo or staying in pet hotels
If your dog lives locally and doesn’t board or travel, they likely don’t need this vaccine — and we’re always happy to help assess your pet’s risk honestly.
How the Vaccine Works
The canine influenza vaccine is available as a standalone or combined with other respiratory vaccines. It’s given in a two-part series:
- Initial series: Two doses, 2–4 weeks apart
- Annual booster: Once yearly if your dog remains at risk
If your travel or boarding plans are coming up, we recommend starting the series at least 4 weeks in advance to ensure full protection.
A Balanced Approach to Prevention
At PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic, we take pride in offering vaccine recommendations tailored to each pet’s lifestyle. We’ll never push a vaccine your dog doesn’t need — but we also won’t let you head off to the city unprotected if there’s a real risk. Our goal is simple: smart prevention that matches your dog’s real-world exposure, not a one-size-fits-all plan.
Not Sure if Your Dog Needs It?
If you’re planning a trip, scheduling a boarding stay, or just want to review your dog’s vaccination plan, give us a call at PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic in Dubuque. We’ll help you decide if the canine influenza vaccine is right for your dog — and if it is, get them protected with plenty of time to spare.