Can my pet catch a cold or get the flu?

It's about now that we are either wishing we had got the flu injection or looking at others and being thankful we did!  What about for our pets- can they get the flu?

The answer is yes - in their own way - dogs can catch Canine Cough (Kennel Cough) and cats can suffer from Cat Flu. Although they can get these infections at any time of the year, they're more common in winter.

Canine Cough: is a highly contagious disease that's passed from dog to dog by moisture droplets. If not vaccinated, it's most likely your pet will catch this in the local park from another dog (or at boarding kennels). Vaccination is simple, effective and given annually. Your dog may still contract the cough but will be protected against the worst strains. 

Cat Flu: is also highly contagious but unlike Canine Cough, can cause severe illness, especially in elderly cats or kittens. Vaccination is highly effective and while it won't always prevent cats from developing flu, it helps reduce the severity of the condition. Flu vaccinations are given annually.

If you're unsure about whether your pets are currently protected against these diseases, please call us.