Rabies is ALWAYS a concern: puppies, kittens, dogs, cats; indoor, outdoor; any mammal; anywhere.

Click here for the original article in South Carolina's newspaper: "The State".

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WHY DO I NEED TO VACCINATE MY PET?
Rabies is fatal!  All mammals, including humans, are susceptible to rabies.  There are about 300 confirmed cases of Rabies in NJ every year!  There were almost 50 cases of Rabies in Monmouth and Ocean County last year.

​I DON'T BELIEVE IN VACCINES
Owning a pet is a privilege, not a right.  If you choose not to vaccinate your pet against other diseases, you're putting your pet's health at risk.  But if you don't vaccinate your pet against rabies, you're putting your pet, your family and the public at risk.

ABOUT THE VACCINE
Currently in the US, Rabies vaccines for dogs and cats are: Imrab by Merial; Nobivac by Merck; Rabvac by Elanco; and Defensor by Zoetis.   Rabies vaccines can only be administered by a licensed veterinarian.  The rabies vaccine is good for 1 year for puppies, kittens or any adult dog or cat for which there is no documented proof of rabies vaccination.  The pet is NOT considered protected against rabies until 28 days after the vaccine was given.  For previously vaccinated dogs and cats, the rabies vaccine is considered medically protective for 3 years.  Again, the township's licensing laws to protect the public, supersede all. ​​

​HOW ELSE CAN I PROTECT MY PET?
Keep your pet indoors or under your direct supervision.  Don't allow your pet to engage with wildlife.
Vaccinate!  Vaccinate!  Vaccinate!
---Meredith L. Weltner-Sharin VMD

New Jersey is great fun in the summer---unless you're a dog with noise sensitivities.  Silo can be administered 30-60 minutes before noisy events start.  Sileo's effects last for 2-3 hours (enough time for most fireworks, thunderstorms and parades.)  No more sedated or "gorked" dogs stumbling around all day!

If an event is going to last longer than 2-3 hours, you can safely give your dog another dose of Sileo (anytime beyond 2hrs since the previous dose--up to 5 doses!)

There have been several outbreaks of Canine Influenza (dog flu) in NJ over the past decade.  In Spring 2018 there was a large outbreak in Brooklyn.  The closure of the Monmouth County SPCA due to Canine Influenza has shown the disease is in our community.

WHAT HAPPENS
Canine influenza is a virus that is highly infectious and spreads quickly from dog to dog.
The virus can be transmitted:

• Directly from dog to dog
• From airborne transmission (one dog coughing or sneezing)
• From contact with contaminated objects or
• From people touching infected dogs and then touching other dogs.

There are two strains H3N8 which was first reported in 2003 and H3N2 which was first reported in 2015.  Neither of these strains have been shown to be contagious to people.

These are respiratory viruses, different from the bacteria bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough) and from the respiratory virus parainfluenza (part of the DHLPP vaccine).

1 out of 5 infected dogs will develop severe symptoms.  Infection with canine influenza can lead to pneumonia and can be fatal.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• The symptoms can be similar to many other respiratory diseases.
• Coughing- dry hacking or productive coughing (wet saliva or yellow phlegm)
• Nasal discharge- maybe clear, but often yellow or green mucous
• Tired or lethargic
• Poor appetite

Some dogs do not show any symptoms, but are still carriers and can pass the virus to other dogs.

DIAGNOSING
Diagnosis can be challenging because many respiratory infections have similar symptoms. Nasal and oral swabs are submitted, often along with blood samples.  The blood sample may be repeated 10 days later, depending on initial test results.

TREATMENT
​Treatment is aimed at supportive care and preventing further spread.  Hospitalization in an Isolation ward, IV fluids for hydration, antibiotics for secondary infections, and other medications as needed.

PREVENTION
Vaccinate your dogs against Canine Influenza Virus (CIV).  At Barnside Veterinary Hospital, we use a vaccine that protects against both strains H3N8 and H3N2.  Dogs receive an initial vaccine and then a booster approximately 3 weeks later.  We recommend annual boosters.

It is important that your dog is kept current on all her vaccinations.  Not sure if she's up-to-date?  Call us, or log-in to your pet's records at Petly Pet Portal.
---Meredith L. Weltner-Sharin VMD

Asbury Park Press- Best of the Best- Monmouth County 2019

Thank you to all our clients and patients-- YOU are the best!!!