As pet owners, we often worry when our furry friends become sick. One of the most common worries is whether or not our dogs can catch the flu from us. With the current pandemic, it is a fear many of us are dealing with. It is difficult to know where to turn for reliable information and the answer may surprise you. In this blog post, we will explore the question, “Can my dog catch my flu?” We will look at how the flu is spread between humans and animals, review the signs and symptoms of the flu, and provide tips on how to keep your dog safe and healthy. By the end, you should have a clear understanding of whether or not your dog can catch the flu from you.
How Do I Treat My Dog’s Flu?
Even if your dog doesn’t already have the flu, there are ways to prevent it and treat it if it does develop.
In order to rid the body of illnesses and keep the immune system strong and prepared to combat them, hydration is essential. If your dog likes to run and relax in the sun, make sure to keep their water bowl cool, shaded, and well-stocked at all times. It won’t evaporate if it’s kept out of the sun, which will also tempt them to rest somewhere cooler.
Make a vet appointment if you believe your dog has the flu and the symptoms last for more than a week.
Flu can be a fickle beast. It may only last a week or, in rare circumstances, up to a month. Always confirm flu-like symptoms with a veterinarian, as they may discover that the dog is actually experiencing something else entirely and prescribe medications to hasten the recovery.
Read Canine Influenza in Dogs for additional details on preventing and treating dog flu.
Which pets you can infect with the flu
Common pets at risk of infection include:
This is due to the flu virus primarily infecting warm-blooded mammals and birds, which can spread from humans to their pets. So pets who are not at risk of infections include:
Wash your dog’s toys and blankets
Clean the dog’s toys, wash any blankets or other items that the pet frequently comes in contact with to get rid of any germs.
Your dog might not require treatment because many dogs recover on their own. There is typically no cause for alarm if your dog exhibits only minor “dog cold” symptoms, is eating and drinking normally, and still appears to have the same amount of energy. They should feel better in a few days to a week. You should call your veterinarian right away if your dog appears to have more than a mild cold and isn’t eating, drinking, obviously uncomfortable, or is having trouble breathing.
Your veterinarian will ask you about your dog’s symptoms of the flu or a cold, perform a thorough examination, and possibly order some diagnostic tests to determine the source of the issue if they believe it to be serious. Depending on how your veterinarian diagnoses the condition, treatment may be prescribed that includes antibiotics, cough suppressants, and fluids. Never give your dog human cold medications because they are very risky.
You may be wondering how to prevent it now that you know the answer to the question of whether dogs can contract colds and the flu. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to reduce the likelihood that your dog will become ill.
FAQ
Can humans pass flu to dog?
The flu virus can jump between species, unlike the common cold, which cannot be transmitted from a human to a dog. However, dogs can receive the same vaccine that humans do to help protect them against the flu.
Can I get my dog sick if I’m sick?
There are some illnesses you might be able to spread to your dog, making them sick. These include things like salmonellosis, MRSA, and ringworm. According to research, dogs can occasionally contract mumps, SARS-CoV-2, and human flu viruses. However, despite having these infections, they frequently don’t seem to get sick.
Can I pass the flu to my pets?
– As flu season approaches, those who become ill may not be aware that they can spread the illness to animals as well as humans, including household pets like cats, dogs, and ferrets.
What are the symptoms of dog flu?
Cough, runny nose, fever, lethargy, eye discharge, and decreased appetite are symptoms of this illness in dogs, though not all of them will exhibit symptoms. There may be no symptoms at all or severe illness that leads to pneumonia and occasionally death in canines with canine flu.