Dog Obedience Training Blog
Could Swine Flu Affect My Dog
With more than 4000 deaths in the United States attributed to Swine flu or H1N1, it is no doubt an epidemic. And because dogs, cats and other animals are capable of getting the flu, you may be wondering if swine flu can kill your puppy. There is both good news and bad news.
The Bad News
Theoretically, your dog can catch the flu from you. There are three strains of the flu virus A, B and C. While humans are susceptible to all three types of flu, dogs are not. Dogs are susceptible to the type A only and sometimes, though rarely, the flu virus can be passed from animal to human or vice versa.
The H1N1 strain of flu is a type A strain and dogs are able to contract type A strains. And as of November of 2009, there have been two cases of dogs with H1N1 reported in China and several cats and ferrets have contracted the virus in the United States. So, yes your dog could theoretically catch the swine flu.
The Good News
Thus far, the swine flu has not affected dogs outside of China and the AMVA has not confirmed these cases. And simple precautions, should you come down with the flu, should be able to significantly reduce your dog’s chances of contracting the disease from you. Basic things like washing your hands and limiting your contact with your dog while you’re sick will likely be enough to keep your dog healthy. And if you notice any signs of the flu or illness in your dog, take them to the veterinarian immediately.
Signs Your Dog Has Swine Flu
If your dog were to catch swine flu, their symptoms would be much like yours and will include:
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Coughing
- Wheezing, panting and difficulty breathing
While it isn’t likely that your dog is going to catch the swine flu and there have been no reported cases outside of China, your dog can catch the canine influenza, H3N8. Dogs have little to no immunity to this particular virus and if they contract it they will become sick however, it rarely kills dogs if veterinary attention is sought early. Canine influenza isn’t dangerous, though your dog will be miserable if they catch it.
Signs your dog has the canine flu include:
- A persistent cough lasting from 10-21 days
- Nasal discharge
- A low-grade fever.
Some dogs develop pneumonia along with a high fever. The mortality rate is around 5%.
Dog Flu Treatment
If your dog develops a cough, it’s important to take them to the veterinarian immediately. A fever will be treated with anti-pyretic medications and/or cool water baths. Sometimes, if the flu is caught very early, the drug Tamiflu can be used to shorten the duration of the flu and lessen symptoms. The is presently no vaccination for the dog flu however veterinary medicine is always improving and should there be an outbreak of dog flu, they’d surely be on top of a vaccination.
In Conclusion
Can Swine flu kill your puppy? Theoretically, yes and while the two cases in China haven’t been confirmed by veterinarians in the United States, it pays to be cautious. Because our dogs are in close contact with us, it’s important to protect yourself from getting the flu and to steer clear of your dog if you do come down with it. Keep your dog safe and protected from sick people and animals, particularly if they are old or have a compromised immune system, and take them to the veterinarian if you notice any change in their health.
Sign Up To Receive Our Dog Training Newsletter below.
One of my sisters got infected with H1N1 or more commonly known as Swine Flu. Fortunately, she did not have very high fever and she was able to recover fast .
,
[Reply]
@ December 22nd, 2009 at 20:53My brother got infected with H1N1 or Swine Flu in Mexico. He got a mild fever and luckily he did not die.
[Reply]
@ January 1st, 2010 at 21:46