Dogs and the H1N1 Flu

Lisa Mason's picture

News of the pandemic H1N1 flu is spreading as it affects millions of people all over the world. Many people are wondering if there is reason for concern when it comes to dogs and the H1N1 flu. As a concerned pet owner, you want to make sure your pet is safe. The H1N1 flu is a new strand of the "influenza A virus". This virus is airborne and it can easily be spread from one person to another and it affects the lungs and the respiratory system.

Knowing that it can be spread so easily from one person to another brings concerned pet owners to wonder, just how safe are our pets? Is it possible for dogs to get the H1N1 virus? The answer is yes, it is possible. If you or someone in the family has this flu, you could spread it to your pets. So far, there have been reports of two ferrets and one cat with the H1N1 flu. It's reported they got the virus from family members that had the flu.

For now, when it comes to dogs and the H1N1 flu, none have been reported to have it but that doesn't mean they can't get it. If anyone in the household has been diagnosed with the H1N1 virus or showing signs of the flu, it's recommended that you stay away from your pets as much as possible. When it comes to dogs and the H1N1 flu, you don't want to take any chances of infecting your precious pet.

In the event that your dog does start showing signs of the flu, it's recommended that you take him to your vet immediately. Some of the signs include sneezing, having difficulty breathing, weakness and refusing to eat. The sooner you get your pet treatment, the better the odds will be for them to recover.