Can Dogs Get the Flu?

Although everyone realizes that pets get sick from time to time, they are often unsure of whether or not those illnesses can be compared to the ones that humans are afflicted with. One ailment that dogs can contract in a form similar to that of humans is the flu. Canine influenza is a virus that has only emerged in the last five years and was first found in ill racing greyhounds.

The symptoms of canine influenza are actually quite similar to symptoms humans get when they are ill, but they are also close to the symptoms of a condition known as kennel cough. A dog with canine influenza will have a cough for ten to twelve days, which is longer than kennel cough. They will also have nasal discharge and a low grade fever. In a small percentage of dogs, the symptoms can resemble those of pneumonia and can require hospitalization.

Currently, experts are working on developing a vaccine for canine influenza. Concerned pet owners should remember that the vaccine for kennel cough will not protect a dog against canine influenza, even though the symptoms are very similar. The best way to protect a dog against the canine flu is to keep it away from other dogs that seem sick and washing their hands after petting another dog.

If someone thinks their dog may have canine influenza, they should look out for the primary symptoms, especially a thick, yellow discharge coming from the nose. If symptoms persist, they should take their pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible. It is also a good idea to keep the dog away from other dogs since the flu could be contagious.

Some dog owners have wondered if they can catch the human flu from their dog who is suffering from canine influenza. This is an issue that public health agencies are currently investigating and, so far, it seems that humans cannot contract canine influenza. They have closely observed kennel workers who work closely with sick dogs and they have not reported any symptoms that indicate they may have caught the flu from a dog. Currently, there are no recorded cases of a human being catching the flu from a dog.

The symptoms of canine influenza should be easy to spot because they are very similar to those of the human flu. Although it is easy to mistake the dog flu for kennel cough, pet owners should remember that it is more likely to be the flu if symptoms persist for more than ten days. There have been some more serious cases of canine flu, so it is a good idea to take any animal that seems sick to a veterinarian right away for a checkup.

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