Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Why is my dog UTD on vaccines but needs flu and parainfluenza shots?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | spayed | 1 year and 2 months old | 7 lbs

If Parainfluenza is a completely separate illness from the canine flu - so these are two different vaccines that have nothing to do with each other :) H3N2 and H2N8 are two separate flu strains why don't vets tell you that annually. Why tell you that you are UTD on vaccinations when they are not?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 27th, 2017

I'm not sure what exactly your veterinarian told you that was confusing, but there are two strains of canine influenza that have caused disease in recent years: H3N8 and H3N2. The second seems to be the most clinically relevant and as far as I know is the cause of all flu outbreaks this year. There is a newer vaccine that covers both H3N8 and H3N2, or you can get each vaccine separately. Parainfluenza is indeed a different virus. The canine influenza vaccine (both strains) is not considered a 'core' vaccine, meaning that dogs who are not at risk (primarily those that are not around large groups of other dogs) probably don't need this vaccine. This might be why your veterinarian said FlynnLee was up to date on vaccines but potentially did not have the influenza vaccine.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Some clinics vaccinate each pet as to what they are at risk for as not every pet has the same lifestyle. The canine flu is a new disease showing up in different areas so many places are just now starting to vaccinate regularly for it.

    Vote icon

    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on June 27th, 2017

    Parainfluenza is a completely separate illness from the canine flu - so these are two different vaccines that have nothing to do with each other :) H3N2 and H2N8 are two separate flu strains, so if you want to vaccine for the flu, I would recommend a bivalent vaccine that covers both strains. Your vet should be able to tell you what kind of vaccine they carry, if you ask.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dwarf hamster has a shut eye and is limping. What should I do?
Is your dwarf hamster struggling with eye issues or limping? A trusted vet offers expert guidance on symptoms and crucial next steps for comfort and care.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu lost teeth after an accident. How can I feed him soft foods?
Your degu had an accident, lost teeth, and can't eat hard food. A Petco Vet Tech offers crucial advice on immediate vet care and how to feed your injured degu.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my pet's swollen lump with green patches not getting better?
Is your pet's swollen, green-patched infection still bothering them after treatment? A certified veterinarian discusses proper diagnosis methods like biopsy and FNA.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my 5-week-old chick struggling to walk with splayed legs?
Is your 5-week silkie chick struggling to walk, with splayed legs & curled feet? A board-certified vet explains possible causes like Mareks and what to do next.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My 4-week-old chick is sick and sleeps standing. What should I do?
Is your 4-week-old chick ill, sleeping standing? A Licensed Vet Tech offers expert advice on immediate care, feeding, and why a vet visit is crucial for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored