Can humans catch the flu from dogs?
Leilani Wyman
2025-07-14 13:58:59
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Pets can indeed catch colds and flu, though the viruses that affect them are typically different from those that infect humans. For dogs, the common cold is usually caused by canine adenovirus type 2, parainfluenza virus, or canine respiratory coronavirus. Pets typically catch a cold or get the flu through direct contact with an infected animal or contaminated objects. Viruses can be spread through sneezing, coughing, or sharing food and water bowls. Kennels, grooming salons, and pet daycare centres are common places where pets might pick up these infections. Symptoms of colds and flu in pets include sneezing, coughing, runny or congested nose, watery eyes, mild fever, lethargy, and reduced appetite in dogs. Never give your pet human medications, as they can be harmful. Vaccinations are included on our Pet Health for Life Plan, and vaccines for canine flu can help reduce the risk of these infections.
Harmon Robel
2025-07-12 03:48:13
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Dog flu is different than the strain of influenza that affects humans. And while there is no indication the dog flu can cause human illness, dogs, as well as cats, can contract the human flu virus. Just as humans spread the flu through close contact, flu is spread among dogs when they bark at each other or sneeze or cough in close proximity. Dogs that spend time in places like kennels, dog parks and boarding centers are the most at risk for catching the flu, experts say. Pet owners must take care to wash their hands and change their clothes after caring for the dog because the virus could be transmitted through them to other pets in the home. If you have the flu, don't kiss your dog.
Xzavier Powlowski
2025-07-06 09:34:37
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You'll be happy to know that similar to the common cold, your dog won't get the flu if a human member of the household is sick. However, there is a canine-specific influenza you should be aware of. The dog flu, also known as canine influenza, is a respiratory infection like the human condition. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), "The first strain reported in the United States, beginning in 2004, was an H3N8 influenza A virus ... In 2015, an outbreak that started in Chicago was caused by a separate canine influenza virus, H3N2." Symptoms of the dog flu are similar to the human flu. Your dog may experience a lingering cough that lasts anywhere from ten to thirty days. AVMA says, "Dogs with canine influenza should be isolated to prevent transmission of the virus to other dogs or, in the case of H3N2, cats."
Willy Crona
2025-06-22 14:37:59
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The good news is, experts haven’t seen this type of flu affect humans at all. The risk to humans is very low. But while there are no reported cases of dog flu in people, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that influenza viruses constantly change. This means that it’s possible for the dog flu to one day infect humans. The World Health Organization (WHO) monitors any changes in new human viruses. So far, the dog flu poses no threats to people.
Libby Keeling
2025-06-22 14:01:20
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You can’t get a cold or the flu from your dog or cat. Pets won’t catch or spread human viruses. The pet is a comfort, not a hazard. Even somebody who pets the dog or cat after you is unlikely to catch your virus that way. Flu is transmitted person-to-person through close personal contact. If you get within my breathing zone, within three feet, I can transfer that influenza virus to you. I breathe it out, you breathe it in, and you can be infected. But while pets are pretty much off the hook, Schaffner says the true hazard in catching a virus comes from our fellow two-legged creatures.
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