07/10/2025
Hello Poquoson Veterinary Hospital Families-
Unfortunately, there has been a serious outbreak of canine influenza (flu) in a local shelter last week. Prior to this outbreak, there were no cases of influenza directly in the area. Influenza is a highly contagious and airborne virus that can cause severe symptoms including fever and coughing and dogs.
Due to this recent development, Poquoson Veterinary Hospital will be requiring all dogs staying in the hospital including boarding and grooming dogs to be vaccinated for canine influenza. If you have an upcoming groom or boarding reservation, we recommend you schedule an appointment to get this vaccine series started right away. Even if you do not have an upcoming stay in the hospital, please consider vaccinating your dogs for canine influenza.
The attached article can provide more information on canine influenza. Please feel free to call us with any questions or concerns.
Dr. Michael Kearley explains dog flu or canine influenza in dogs including symptoms, treatment options, and how the dog flu vaccine works.