Can Dogs Catch the Flu From Humans? Here’s What Vets Say
Like nearly everyone else, my household has been hit with the extremely unpleasant influenza A. And let me tell you, it’s not great.
While surrounded by mugs of half-drunk tea and cough-drop wrappers, the only comfort I’ve found is cuddling my dog. But then I started to panic. Because what if I’m exposing my adorable pup (and frankly, the only reason I have a will to live right now) to this evil flu?
Thankfully, according to PetMD, your furry friend can’t get the flu from humans. While speaking to WUSA9 in 2018, Houston-based vet Dr. Tony Malone explained that pup parents don’t have to worry about passing on their illness to their dogs.
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“The dog flu and the people flu are not related. It’s not zoonotic. Meaning dogs can’t pass the flu to their owners. And owners can’t pass the flu to the dog,” said Dr. Malone.
The vet said, however, that our pups can get their version of the flu. According to Dr. Malone, symptoms to look out for include coughing, sneezing, ocular, and nasal discharge. In a January 2018 interview with WTNH New8, Dr. Julia Shakeri, DMV, also told pet parents to look out for “general malaise,” a decrease in appetite, and fever. In addition, Dr. Shakeri said blood work will determine whether your dog has the flu, as opposed to kennel cough or pneumonia.
“Usually, we’re talking baseline blood work, some x-rays, then maybe even some panels to look for different types of disease,” said the veterinarian.
Dr. Shakeri also warned dog owners that doggie day care and dog parks are breeding grounds for the canine flu.
As for how to treat your dog’s flu, PetMD recommends allowing your furry friend to rest and making sure they are well-hydrated. To be extra safe, take your pup, especially if they are a puppy or a senior dog, to the vet if you notice they are experiencing signs of the flu.
In addition, please make sure your infected dog isn’t around other pups for about 3 weeks to prevent the spread of the flu.