Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) is circulating throughout the Twin Cities. Since CIV has not been to Minneapolis in the past, most of our dogs have not built up immunities. It is very contagious and can be picked up with any dog to dog interaction. Surfaces can retain germs from sneezing or coughing for up to 48 hours. The vaccine for CIV has had recent supply issues but is now more readily available. Please contact your vet to get your dog vaccinated.
We already clean thoroughly daily and follow recommended guidelines. We clean and disinfect the climbing toys, the dog beds and power scrub the floor in each pen daily. We also clean our walls, sanitize the inside and outside dog runs. We have three separate sections of the building on their own HVAC and Airflow.
We monitor dogs on a daily basis watching for illness, including coughing, sneezing, congestion, snotty noses, lethargy, etc. If we observe any suspicious symptoms, we immediately quarantine any sick dogs and contact their owner to pick up their dog. We also ask customers to not bring in sick dogs. Please make sure you are on the lookout for signs of sickness and keep your dog at home if necessary.
Even with all we do, we have had dogs with CIV come to Fun City Dogs in the last 2 weeks. We have had a handful of sick dogs.
What happens if my dog gets sick?
Contact your vet if your dog begins to show symptoms of Canine Cough or Canine Influenza. For most dogs, it runs its course just like a human cold and typically resolves within 7-10 days, but for some dogs, it can progress to a more serious illness such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Older dogs, puppies, small dogs, and brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Boxers, Pugs, Shih Tzus, etc.) are more at risk of complications developing, but all dogs are at risk of infection when exposed. Please contact us if your dog begins to show symptoms, we are monitoring all sick dogs.
All dogs who have been sick must stay home for 30 days according to the MN Dept of Animal Health. We understand this may be difficult, especially for dogs who only had symptoms (i.e. coughing, sneezing, snotty nose) for a few days, but in the interest of public health, we are requiring these dogs to continue to quarantine as infected dogs (even asymptomatic ones) may still shed the virus for up to 30 days.
You cannot bring any dog to our facility experiencing any symptoms of kennel cough or Canine Influenza. You will be called to pick up any sick dogs ASAP if we observe any symptoms. Each time you drop your dog off, you are reaffirming that they are healthy and are symptom free.
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