Disclosed is a method for providing a Canidae with protective immunity against canine influenza comprising administering to said Canidae an effective amount of a vaccine comprising an effective amount of a canarypox expression vector that contains and expresses in vivo in a canine a polynucleotide encoding equine influenza antigen comprising equine influenza H3 operatively linked to a promoter and optionally to an enhancer, and a pharmaceutically or veterinarily acceptable carrier, excipient, or vehicle, thereby providing the protective immunity.