VCA Clinton Township Animal Hospital

A Wealth of Veterinary Experience at Your Service!

At VCA Clinton Township Animal Hospital, we look forward to welcoming you, your dog, cat and other pets. Everyone on our staff believes that the better we get to know your pets, the better we can provide the best possible health care for them. In fact, when you come in, you'll see exactly why our veterinarians are praised for their kind and thorough care. We'll give you and your pet all the time you need, and never rush through an exam. We'll also carefully track the course of your pet's care, which is so important to your pet's long-term health.

In every case, you'll be served by experienced, knowledgeable members of our staff. Our veterinarians, veterinary technicians and other pet-friendly personnel are trained to the highest standards. Their knowledge of the latest veterinary medicines and procedures ensures that all our pet patients get the best in prevention and healing methods.

Local Medical Issues

Canine Influenza Alert!

Canine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory virus with nearly all dogs that are exposed becoming infected within a few days after exposure. It is seen predominantly in situations where dogs are confined or housed together and anywhere they easily come in contact (boarding kennels, daycare centers, dog parks, and dog shows). It is spread through aerosols from dogs that are coughing or sneezing. In this regard there are many similarities to the ease of transmission of flu among humans. Canine flu is species-specific and is not contagious to people.

Dogs of all ages and breeds are susceptible. About 80% of exposed dogs will go on to develop clinical signs of infection. Typical symptoms resemble those of dogs with kennel cough. A persistent cough is the most prominent sign, along with sneezing, and nasal discharge. Affected dogs may also develop a fever and become lethargic. Approximately 10% of dogs go on to develop pneumonia and can become critically ill. Up to 5% of dogs die from this disease. Dogs that develop pneumonia need to be hospitalized for intensive care. Do not ignore the symptoms! There is a test for canine influenza and some dogs will need to have x-rays to check for pneumonia.

A new vaccine is available that may help reduce the threat to your dog. While it does not prevent disease, it may substantially reduce the severity of disease and the shedding of virus to other dogs if your pet does become ill with canine flu. We strongly recommend that dogs that will be boarding, visiting groomers, staying in daycare centers, or traveling to states where canine flu has been endemic (Colorado, Florida, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania) should receive this vaccine. 

Feel free to talk to one of our VCA veterinarians about this emerging threat to your dog. Together we can determine the relative risk of infection for your dog and decide if vaccination is indicated.