Can Dogs Get The Flu From Humans

Canine influenza, or dog flu, is a contagious respiratory disease in dogs caused by influenza A viruses. It is common for dogs to catch the flu, but the main question is, do they get the flu from humans?

No, dogs cannot get the same type of flu from humans that humans get from each other. No evidence that states that your dog can get the flu from you (humans).

How Does a Dog Catch the Flu?

Your dog can catch the flu through direct contact with infected dogs or by coming into contact with polluted surfaces. The virus spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected dog coughs, sneezes, or barks. Nearby dogs can inhale these droplets. They can pollute objects like food bowls, water bowls, toys, and even clothing or human skin. Here is more information related to this:

• The virus is spread through the air when an infected dog coughs, sneezes, or barks, releasing tiny droplets that can be inhaled by other dogs.
• The virus can survive on surfaces for varying amounts of time, up to 48 hours on hard surfaces, 24 hours on clothing, and 12 hours on skin. If a healthy dog comes into contact with these contaminated surfaces and then touches their nose or mouth, they can become infected.
• Indirect contact can also become the reason for spreading the virus. People can also play a role in spreading the virus by touching an infected dog and then touching another dog, potentially transferring the virus on their hands or clothing.
• Other reasons can be certain environments like kennels, shelters, dog parks, and daycare centres, which increase the risk of transmission due to the close proximity of many dogs.

Understand when you need to take your dog to the nearest healthcare provider.

Symptoms of Dog Flu

Dog flu is a virus that mainly affects the lungs, so your dog will experience symptoms related to respiratory disease and common flu-like signs. Here is a list of symptoms:

1. Persistent coughing, which may sound dry or moist.
2. Your dog may sneeze frequently due to irritation in the nasal passages.
3. Take a good look at the nasal discharge and report if it is clear, yellow or even green.
4. A high fever is common and is accompanied by lethargy and decreased activity.
5. Affected dogs may be unusually tired and have a reduced interest in play or walks.
6. Some dogs may also experience vomiting and diarrhoea, especially in more severe cases.
7. Loss of appetite is a frequent symptom.

Take your dog to the nearest dog care centre or vet for early expert intervention. A veterinarian can treat dog flu with supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent complications.

Can Dog Flu Affect Humans?

No, canine influenza, or dog flu, does not typically affect humans. While dog flu is caused by influenza A viruses, these are generally different from the viruses that cause seasonal flu in humans. There’s no evidence of dog flu spreading from dogs to humans, and no reported cases of human infection with canine influenza viruses.

Usually, you don’t need to get a checkup from yourself, but for a safe side, you can get a checkup if you have recently come in contact with a dog with the flu. While dog flu is not known to be transmissible to humans, it’s still recommended to consult a “Best GP Clinic near me” if you’re feeling unwell after contact with a sick dog. Here is why we are saying this:

• Viruses can mutate. While the current strains of dog flu don’t affect humans, viruses are constantly evolving, and it’s possible for a new strain to emerge that could be transmissible to humans.
• A sick dog could be carrying a different illness that is transmissible to humans, so it’s important to be aware of any potential risks.
• It’s generally recommended to get an annual checkup with a GP, and any contact with a sick animal could be a good reason to schedule one sooner.

Although there is no relevant evidence that dog flu can affect humans but it is possible that other illnesses can spread if you have recently come in contact with the one affected dog.

Some illnesses can be transmitted from dogs to humans. These are called zoonotic diseases. While many common dog illnesses like parvovirus and heartworm cannot be passed to humans, there are several bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that can be transmitted through various means. It is always a smart decision to consult a specialist as soon as you can.