Can I be around my dog when I have the flu?
Rocky Haag
2025-07-16 18:31:22
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Cuddling with your dog or cat when you have a cold or flu is safe for both of you, an infectious-disease expert says. Your furry friends won't catch or spread human viruses, said Dr. William Schaffner, professor of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. The pet is a comfort, not a hazard, and you can't get a cold or the flu from your dog or cat, he added. It's also unlikely that anyone who pets the dog or cat after you will catch your cold or flu virus. Other people are the real threat when it comes to transmitting colds and flu viruses, Schaffner explained. Flu is transmitted person-to-person through close personal contact.
Christopher Wintheiser
2025-07-11 07:59:03
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By: Wayne Wood When you are home sick, snuggling up with your dog or cat may feel like just what the doctor ordered. And a Vanderbilt infectious disease doctor, while stopping short of actually prescribing in-home “pet therapy” for colds or flu, says that if having your companion by your side makes you feel better, go right ahead. Pets won’t catch or spread human viruses. The pet is a comfort, not a hazard, said William Schaffner, M.D., professor of Preventive Medicine at Vanderbilt. Even somebody who pets the dog or cat after you is unlikely to catch your virus that way, and you can’t get a cold or the flu from your dog or cat, Schaffner said.
Tia Hickle
2025-06-30 13:38:08
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You can be around your dog when you have the flu. 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, and you can't get a cold or the flu from your dog or cat. While pets are pretty much off the hook, the true hazard in catching a virus comes from fellow two-legged creatures. Flu is transmitted person-to-person through close personal contact. If you get within my breathing zone, within three feet, I can transfer the influenza virus to you.
Asia Bernhard
2025-06-22 14:17:58
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Cuddling up with pets doesn't expose your furry friends to a risk of disease transmission. Snuggling with pets when you're sick won't transmit colds or flu to them, as these viruses don't spread between humans and pets. The pet is a comfort, not a hazard, you can't get a cold or the flu from your dog or cat. While pets can't catch human colds or flu, they offer emotional support, making it beneficial to cuddle up with them instead of risking spreading germs to other people. However, pets can catch certain bacterial infections and viruses, such as MRSA and certain strains of the flu that affect both humans and animals. It's always best to practice good hygiene around pets when you're sick. Pets can help improve human health by reducing stress and anxiety, providing comfort, and boosting overall mood. Their presence can lead to the release of endorphins and other feel-good hormones, which can aid in recovery.
Albert Schimmel
2025-06-22 14:04:12
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Most dogs want to stay close, protect you and com-fur-t you when you’re ill, but should you let them. Can my dog catch the flu, based on preliminary studies dogs can get the flu from humans and in very rare cases these can be fatal. Stay away from your dog as best you can if you have the flu. Make sure your dog can’t get into your bin with all the dirty tissues. Ideally, you get someone else to feed your dog while you’re ill too. Many veterinary and virologist professionals have concluded that cases of dogs getting influenza from their owners are rare but definitely possible.
Imani Mertz
2025-06-22 11:41:47
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While there are a few documented cases of the flu or a cold being transmitted between dogs and humans, this is extremely rare. Although viral mutations can occur, influenza viruses are generally considered species-specific. Therefore, it is considered safe to be around your pet when you have the flu or a cold, but you may consider practicing good hygiene when you are sick to reduce the already negligible risk even further. Don’t cough directly towards your dog and wash your hands after blowing your nose. If you’re sick, it is considered safe to spend time around your fur baby but consider practicing good hygiene to reduce the risk of transmission. Feeling a bit under the weather? Don't let that stop you from snuggling with your furry friend.
Hassie Walker
2025-06-22 11:09:30
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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 good news is, experts haven’t seen this type of flu affect humans at all.
You can take steps to lower their risks.
Keep them away from kennels or other public areas with confirmed cases of the virus.
If you come in contact with a dog that has it or one you think may have it, wash your hands, arms, and clothes right away.
Do this before touching your dog to lower their risk.
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