Can Dogs Catch the Flu?

CAN DOGS CATCH THE FLU?

February in Massachusetts means that flu season is inevitably in full force. Across the country, the flu has been particularly infectious this year. Threats of the flu can be disconcerting and alarming for families with young children, the elderly, and other immunocompromised populations. But can the flu affect your dog? While the answer might seem obvious at first, there are still some things to consider when keeping your dogs healthy this flu season.

CAN YOUR DOG CATCH THE FLU FROM YOU?

Here’s the good news right off the bat: your dog cannot catch a cold from their human family members, or even influenza. That means that if you do catch the common cold or even the flu this season despite your attempts to ward off illness, you don’t have to worry about sharing the germs with your pet when he comes to snuggle up on the couch with you.

THE CANINE FLU

Although the flu cannot be spread from humans to dogs, there is a version of the disease that can be transmitted from canine to canine. This version of the flu is aptly named “The Canine Flu”.

The canine flu is a version of the influenza A strain. Like the human version, it is highly infectious and can be transmitted from dog to dog. The virus is spread through the release of infected particles in the air and on surfaces which another dog comes into contact with. It is important to speak with your veterinarian if you suspect that your dog may have contracted the canine flu. Most of the time, the recommendation is to confine dogs for up to 21 days in some cases to avoid the spread of the disease in dog daycare programs or other places where viral exposure is common.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Symptoms of the canine flu are very similar to the ones in the human virus. They include:

• Fever
• Low energy and overall lethargy
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Nasal discharge

WHAT IF YOUR DOG CATCHES THE FLU?

The most important thing to do is to keep your dog away from others to avoid spreading the infection. Our policies for Dog Daycare and other social programs include recommendations to keep your dogs at home until they are no longer contagious. Please contact your dog’s veterinarian at the first sign of any flu-like symptoms.

Although the canine flu is concerning for any pet parent, know that we seek to provide a healthy, fun and safe space for dogs to gather and socialize – even during flu season.

To learn more about any of dog daycare programs or any of our other services, call or stop by today!