Happy Holidays everyone!

The first of the year is a time for new resolutions and change, so we will be doing the same here at our clinic. As of January 1st here are a few changes to look out for:

1. Flu Vaccination: We will be requiring all boarding dogs to have the flu (canine influenza) vaccine and will be adding it to our vaccine package as well. Even if you are not planning on boarding specifically, it is a good idea to get your dogs vaccinated against the canine flu to prevent severe and potentially life-threatening illness.

This will involve an initial vaccine and a booster 3-4 weeks later, at which point the vaccine will be good for a year. There have been cases of the canine flu here in Oklahoma and the surrounding states (see the map below), which is why we will be adding it in to protect our patients, and to slow and prevent outbreaks in our area.

Canine influenza incidence in 2018

Yellow: H3N8 strain

Orange: H3N2 strain

Dark orange: Both strains

2. Changes in vaccination guidelines: Following guidelines produced by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) on vaccination of dogs, as well as our vaccine manufacturer guarantee we have modified our vaccination protocol. Both rabies as well as our distemper/parvo/hepatitis vaccine will be good for 3 years as long as the vaccine has been properly administered and has already been boostered the year following initial administration. This means we can help decrease the vaccines given annually to the leptospirosis, Bordetella, flu, and lyme vaccines (if you pet receives it).

For our feline patients we will also be changing the Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis and Calici vaccine (FVRCP) vaccine to 3 years as well to be in accordance with the AAHA guidelines for cats after their initial vaccinations and a first yearly booster.

3. Grooming: We will no longer be doing any grooming other than baths and medical shave-downs. We are sad to be seeing our regular grooming patients less frequently, but due to demands on appointments, we are unable to continue grooming at this time. If this ever changes, we will be sure to let you know!

If you have any questions or concerns you would like to discuss with us, please feel free to call, email, or message us on Facebook.