Public Discourse

CMST 1061

Public Discourse

In the article “Does Your Dog Need a Flu Shot?”, The American Veterinary Medical Association’s intention is to inform dog owners of the importance of the canine influenza vaccine. This specific rhetorical goal is backed with information about outbreaks of the flu virus in dogs. The flu was identified in 2004 and included 38 states in which the virus had been reported. Recommendations to dog owners are they should have their dogs immunized if they are in contact with other dogs. This contact can be in any environment. Dogs that are boarded or participate in dog day care are highly susceptible. Also, dogs that are in shelters or travel to areas with an increased incidence of canine influenza are at risk.

Dog owners, the target audience, should take note of this information from the American Veterinary Medical Association, who recommends that “dogs in frequent contact with other dogs be vaccinated against the canine influenza to help prevent the spread.” Anyone who happens to read this article, dog owner or not, is a member of the empirical audience. They can unknowingly spread the virus to other pets.

The symptoms of the flu virus in dogs are similar to that of humans. Dogs will experience coughing, nasal discharge, low-grade fever and sneezing. Like in humans, the virus is highly contagious and spreads easily in dogs. It can also be spread between humans and dogs.

Internal constraints are dog owners who might feel that dogs are given enough immunizations and do not realize the importance of the flu vaccine. In this case, veterinarians need to better inform dog owners of the immunization’s importance and be vigilant in not spreading the virus to other dogs.

External constraints could include dog owners who may not be financially able to pay for yet another immunization for their dog. These constraints may also include a lack of transportation to the veterinary office. Not everyone has accessible...