Can Pets Get the Flu?

Everyone gets sick occasionally—even our pets. Pets may and do contract the flu, but it differs from the virus that affects people. This disease nearly exclusively affects dogs' respiratory systems. Canine influenza or influenza is caused by two different viruses. The H3N8 influenza virus was isolated in Florida in 2004 from racing greyhounds, becoming the first canine flu virus to be discovered in North America. The H3N2 canine influenza virus is the second, which appeared in Chicago in 2015.

THE SPREAD OF FLU IN PETS

Since these viruses are airborne, most canines contract them by being around infected dogs who cough, bark, or sneeze, which releases the virus into the air that your pet then breathes in. You won't usually notice your pet exhibiting symptoms of disease for 2 to 4 days after exposure.The H3N8 flu virus causes dogs to be communicable for 10 days after exposure, but the H3N2 virus causes dogs to be contagious for up to 26 days.

Even while only about 25 percent of exposed and infected dogs will become ill, they can still spread the infection.Additionally, the food and water bowls, toys, and blankets that infected pet use might harbor virus particles for a while. You should keep sick pets away from the other pets in your household.

Mild animals flu symptoms can resemble other respiratory conditions, such as a cold or kennel cough. Unfortunately, a lot of the situations are worse. Puppies with the canine flu have symptoms like:

• sneezing and coughing
• discharge coming from the nose and eyes
• Fever
• Having trouble breathing
• Lethargy
• Pneumonia can develop in really extreme situations, and some of these dogs may pass away.

If you start to notice any of these symptoms of dog flu, it's critical to contact your veterinarian right away.

TREATMENT

The animal flu is not specifically treatable. Antibiotics won't help because this is a virus, but if your dog develops secondary pneumonia, your veterinarian will recommend antibiotics for it. Dogs who are seriously unwell will require hospitalization and oxygen support.Contact your veterinarian if your pet exhibits symptoms of the canine flu. He or she might advise you to give your dog chicken broth (please make sure it's low in sodium) and perhaps some additional vitamins or supplements to help his immune system.In some situations, cough suppressants are useful, but never give your pet human cough medicine on your own!

Your dog needs to be seen at the vet office if he has a fever, is lethargic, has difficulty breathing, and isn't eating or drinking well. In order to keep your pet segregated from other patients, let the clinic know if your dog has a respiratory infection.If your puppy has any discharge from the eyes or nose, wipe the affected areas gently at least twice a day. The easiest way to break up crusty discharges is with warm compresses, but before using one on your dog's skin, test it on your own skin to make sure it's not too hot.

PREVENTION

Both canine influenza virus strains are covered by a vaccination. It is advised for animals who are at risk of contracting the flu only; it is not a “core” vaccination.Your veterinarian will likely advise the immunization if your dog attends dog training classes, participates in dog sports, stays at a boarding facility, or hangs out at a dog daycare. The canine flu vaccination, like the human ones, may not completely protect your dog from getting sick, but it should lessen the severity of any symptoms.

CAN HUMANS PASS THE FLU ON  TO PETS LIKE DOGS?

First off, it's crucial to understand that dogs and humans do not share the same flu viruses. This means that neither people nor dogs can contract the virus. If you were near a sick dog, there is a slight chance that you would carry canine virus particles on your clothing. However, if you have any worries about spreading the infection from one dog to another, change before stroking your pet.