What is a flu shot for my dog?

Apparently you live in a region that has active cases of Canine Influenza(H3N8), the Dog Flu. It crossed over from horses (like our Swine Flu and Avian Flu) and the first identified and reported outbreak was among racing greyhounds in Florida in 2004. About 80% of the dogs exposed will show symptoms of the disease (mild cough, maybe nasal discharge) and 5% to 8% will die from the exposure. In 2009 a vaccine became available for the Dog Flu. Any dog within or near the areas of active cases should be vaccinated. The Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell University likes to get blood samples from dogs possibly infected. They test the samples (takes about two weeks) and track the virus’ spread. Listen to your vet and get the vaccination.

There is a flu shot for dogs also for H1N1. If your dog does not interact with sick people regularly, I wouldn't worry about it. I have a Therapy Dog and we visit patients every Sunday. In the last 3 years, we've never gotten sick. I considered getting the shot for him but it appears that the flu isn't that easy to get. There is a case though where a cat got it. You vet would have to order the shot. They don't keep that on hand.

Bordetella and the canine influenza vacs are both non core vaccines. Meaning, your dog doesn't really need them. You're dog only needs bordetella if you take him places (like the park or petsmart) and if he gets boarded at a kennel. Canine influenza is just something that is a preference for dog owners. Kinda like the flu shot for humans. Not really necessary, just recommended. I personally wouldn't spend the money on the canine influenza shot. (My clinic has only used one since we got them months ago)

Canine influenza

This is a new disease in dogs, only emerging in the last decade. So far, it is endemic (meaning found in multiple areas) in a few states, especially Florida. Greater than 80% of exposed dogs will become visibly ill, about 8% will die. Because this is a new disease, about 100% of exposed dogs will be capable of transmitting the disease to other dogs.

Does your dog need it?

Well, that depends on how you feel about risking hemorrhagic pneumonia (bleeding to death from your lungs). For some people, it is worth the $25 to NOT worry about this, even if the risk is remote. To other people, 4 drinks from Starbucks are more valuable.

Is he talking about parainfluenza? It's part of the combo vaccine that your dog would recieve annually, the second P in DHPP.

a scam dogs do not get flu