Just like humans, numerous dogs in the United States are currently exhibiting flu-like symptoms that are rapidly spreading. This strain of flu impacting dogs is distinct from the one that affects humans, and there have been no reported instances of transmission between humans and dogs. However, it is crucial to note that this strain poses an equal level of danger and is highly contagious among dogs.
Identifying signs of canine flu involves observing symptoms such as coughing, lethargy, fever, and nasal discharge. Moreover, the canine flu has the potential to cause acute respiratory infections in canines.
What is Canine Flu?
Suspected canine flu may potentially elevate the fatality risk in dogs by approximately 10%. However, with appropriate treatment or even without treatment, numerous dogs have the potential to recover. With the appropriate treatment, the majority of dogs can experience a successful recovery.
The current treatments involve the administration of H3N8 (derived from horses) and H3N2 (modified from avian flu) vaccines.
Canine flu damages puppies more due to their fragility. To ensure optimal hygiene, experts recommend keeping the surrounding environment and items like dog collars, toys, water bowls, and other objects that come into contact with other dogs clean.
After touching dogs, especially diseased ones, wash your hands with soap and water.
Preventive measures are important because people can spread canine flu to uninfected dogs.The transmission of the virus between dogs occurs through barking, coughing, and sneezing during interactions with other infected dogs.
Preventing the Spread of Canine Flu: Useful Tips
Canine flu is more likely to spread in areas such as kennels, shelters, and daycare centers. To prevent the spread of canine flu, it is important to maintain cleanliness by regularly sanitizing surfaces. This is crucial as the virus can remain viable on different surfaces for a duration of up to 48 hours.
Maintaining cleanliness is the most effective method to prevent an outbreak. Infected dog owners should keep their pets indoors to prevent the illness from spreading. Many individuals opt to request a veterinarian to provide home visits in order to contain the virus and minimize its transmission outdoors.
Although the likelihood of humans contracting canine flu is minimal, it is essential to stay cautious and alert. Preventing disease outbreaks is crucial for maintaining public health.
Dr. Astrid Wulan Kusumoastuti, a KlikDokter expert, advises maintaining immunity and exercising proper personal and environmental hygiene to protect yourself and your family from illness outbreaks.
“Regular handwashing at recommended times can also reduce the risk of disease transmission,” says Dr. Astrid.
Canine flu can be prevented by following these steps. If you have pets, whether dogs or other animals, routinely provide vaccinations and maintain the cleanliness of their living space and environment.
Can Dogs Get the Flu from Humans?
Playing with pets can be a great way to cope with the flu. Pets can provide enjoyable companionship when feeling under the weather.
On the flip side, you might be concerned about transmitting your flu to your pets. But can pets indeed catch the flu from humans?
Lori Teller, a veterinarian and clinical professor at Texas A&M University, told Insider that around 200 or more viruses causing the common cold do not transmit to pets, including dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.
The viruses causing the common cold in humans are species-specific. In other words, in the case of the flu, they can only infect humans.
“The way the virus works is like a key that only fits its match, called a receptor. It has to bind to the receptor on the outside of the cell to enter and release the infection. That receptor generally varies from one species to the next,” said Gregory Gray, an infectious disease epidemiologist and professor at Duke University.
However, there are many diseases that can potentially transmit between humans and animals. For example, the H1N1 flu pandemic in 2009–2010 transmitted from pigs to humans and then to cats. Diseases not originating from viruses, such as those caused by parasites, fungi, or bacteria, can also transmit from animals to humans.
Cats and dogs have their own versions of the flu
While pets are generally not susceptible to the common cold that affects humans, they can experience their own strains of the flu. Canine influenza and kennel cough are common respiratory illnesses in dogs. Canine influenza symptoms are comparable to those experienced by humans, such as coughing, sneezing, a runny nose, and fever.
“Kennel cough in dogs is often described as the classic honking sound,” said KSU veterinarian and internal medicine professor Kate KuKanich.
Herpes, calicivirus, Bordetella, mycoplasma, and Chlamydophila cause most upper respiratory tract infections in cats, according to KuKanich. Cats with upper respiratory disease often sneeze and have nasal discharge, and they may also have a fever and reduced appetite.”
