Many of us are aware of the paranoia and lethal effects of some strains of influenza, especially given our experience with avian influenza and swine flu. If we know that people can get sick from contact with sick animals, it’s natural to wonder if our diseases can affect them. Can my dog get the flu from me?
Almost 10 percent of dogs have anti-influenza A antibodies.
Although it has long been believed that people cannot give flu to their furry best friend, a test on more than 2,000 dogs and cats in the Midwestern United States detected anti-influenza A antibodies in 9 percent of dog samples and over 5 percent of cat samples. There is still a lot to be learned about the transmission of flu from human to animal, and the risk appears very low, but it is indeed possible to infect the dog (or cat) with the flu. OSU researchers have been careful enough to suggest that if you have the flu, you can stay away not only from other members of the human family, but also from pets.
Can dogs get flu from people?
While human flu has symptoms similar to the common cold, if your body is in pain and you have a fever, there is a chance that you have a more serious condition – the flu. The influenza virus spreads from one person to another, so cover up coughing and sneezing. Unlike the common cold that goes away fairly quickly, the flu lasts longer and can develop into more serious conditions like pneumonia, says the American Lung Association.
You will be happy to know that, like a cold, your dog will not get the flu if his family member is sick. However, there is a dog-specific flu that you should know about.
Canine flu
Dog flu, also known as canine flu, is a respiratory infection, like in humans. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), “The first strain reported in the United States since 2004 was influenza A H3N8 … In 2015, the outbreak that began in Chicago was caused by a separate canine influenza virus. , H3N2 “. The symptoms of canine flu are similar to human flu. Your dog may have a chronic cough lasting ten to thirty days. It may begin to sneeze, become feverish or discharge from the eyes or nose of the dog may occur. Your pet will probably be prescribed an antibiotic or other medicine to treat canine flu. Note: Take the necessary steps to prevent other animals in your home from getting sick too. AVMA says: “Dogs with canine flu should be isolated to prevent transmission of the virus to other dogs or, in the case of H3N2, cats.”
Does my dog have the flu?
Although we can warn our children or partners to keep a safe distance when we experience coughing and fever, we cannot give dogs the same kindness. They are certainly fine. Look at them, with those wagging tails and funny licks. If your dog gets the flu, either from you or from another dog, there are some signs to look out for.
Symptoms:
- Loss of appetite
- Irregular sleep patterns
- Lethargy
- No interest in typical hobbies
- Fever (indicated by a dry, warm nose)
- Cough
- Breathing difficulties
