The facts have changed. Read the November update: Swine Flu and Your Dog
With all the talk of swine flu in the media lately, it's hard not to wonder if your dog is at risk. In short, the answer is probably no. This is good news for now, but experts are not certain that dogs will remain exempt. There is no cause for panic, but it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your dog. Report any signs of illness to your vet and seek prompt treatment if needed.
Dr. Janet Tobiassen Crosby, the About.com Guide to Veterinary Medicine, goes into greater depth about the risk of swine flu in dogs and cats. She also provides some valuable general information about the disease here: Swine Flu - What You Need To Know.
Are you worried about swine flu and your dog, your family or yourself? Are you taking any specific precautions to prevent the illness, or are you keeping with your normal routine? Share your thoughts here.
Comments
You say dog’s can’t get swine flu yet in the last outbreak in Taiwan a dog was reported as having caught swine flu and it proved fatal, so would not the answer be yes as this strain is more potent than the last strain in asia. Thank’s Phil.
Hi Phil – thanks for your comment. At this time, I can find no reports of dogs contracting this flu strain. Perhaps you are thinking of the avian flu a few years back?
From the AVMA Swine Flu FAQ:
See Janet’s Vet Med blog on swine flu for more info (scroll to bottom to see her comments).
Thanks,
Jenna
I live in Baja California Norte, Mexico ,and have two dogs. We are just cautious about our contact with other people and wear portable mini air purifiers around our necks when in public. Since we traveled to the states, we also received information from US Border Patrol at the border crossing, which I think is fantastic and essential. Everyone should be aware of the symptoms of the illness. Awareness = Prevention. There have been no reported cases of the virus in Baja, but our local authorities have canceled events that would cause people to gather. I was concerned about my furry family members, and I certainly appreciate the information provided in the article and in the comments. Thank you all.
The NBC Nightly News on the East Coast reported that the face masks do not protect you from getting the swine flu. They said the best thing to do is wash your hands often, use hand sanitizer and cough in your arm, etc.
My dog died one month ago today. He had flu like symptoms: vomiting, diarreah, coughing etc. He was 1 year old. Italian Greyhound/Pomeranian. Vet tests came back inconclusive for any of the typical dog viruses. Negative for foreign body concumption. My little Yogi died of a mysterious illness. I’m not saying he had Swine Flu, but there is always that possibility. Vets do not test for it and I will never know but watch your animals at any rate.
I have swine flu and am scared of coughing or sneezing on him even touching him should I be?
Ok, really, my family and I are all on the mend from Swine Flu. I can now confirm my initial feelings on the illness–the real fear over it is all media hype! I realize there are some who are immuno-compromised who get seriously ill, and even die, and I am NOT minimizing this. I am speaking to otherwise healthy people. My 2 year old, 5 year old and I have barely slowed down. We’ve had slight congestion, occasional coughing, and the worst is tummy upset (although no vomiting). My husband has been a little more serious, but his symptoms still are not as bad as with a typical winter flu–which seriously affects far more people than SF has. Please don’t think you have to become a hermit, wear a mask, or even more ridiculous contraptions to avoid getting this disease. You’ve probably, honestly, already been exposed anyway!
i’m very concered about the swine flu, i’m worried that my dog could catch it. so can she? also if somebody in my house or somebody that comes into my house, can she catch it
Hi! We have been dealing with H1N1 for several weeks now. Some of us were hit harder than others. I have noticed that 1 of my puppy babies is vomiting, while the other is sneezing alot. I hope that something conclusive will come back in regard to the transfer to animals. Until then, I have included them in the sanitation process which has become routine in this house!
Hello,
After recently having the swine flu, I have noticed my 7 year old golden retriever has been throwing up without cause. Is this a sign of the swine flu in dogs?
I came down with the flu three days ago, and for the past three nights my dog has been waking me up several times throughout the night to go outside. He has had diarrhea and vomiting, and this morning I noticed blood in his poo. I am afraid that the flu I contracted was the swine flu, and that it has interspecies capabilities. Any insights would be helpful.
i am not saying my dog had swine flu. he was a healthy rottie. and is now dead he started throwing up after eating pork. had the runs and runny nose etc and passed away within 24 hrs.
I am taking precautions but putting my dogs on an immune booster – Dog gone cough.
My husband and I have the swine flu for 2 weeks now – and worried about our little 5 year old Chihuahua getting it. Well, she has been coughing and periodic vomiting too. Now I read that a cat definitly had it so I’m worried about our dog, Bella. We have tried to keep her away from kissing us on the mouth but I wonder if she does have it? I’ve read that Vets are now re-thinking this possibility. It really has us wondering…so keep your pets safe as well as yourself!
can you please tell me how do i treat swine flu ?
i don’t think i have it yet, but if i somehow get Swine flu, how do i prevent it from getting complicated, is there any way to prevent it ? How do you deal with that flu ?
Hello, i was recently diagnosed with the swine flu about 3 days ago. Im doing okay but i’m very worried for my yorkie. He’s 3 years old. He has shown any signs but im just so scared he might catch it. Please if you have any new info on how to handle this let me know. Thank you!
I’ve heard about dogs getting the swine flu outside the US, and now I guess somebody’s dog did get it within the US. It’s a rather rare occurrence so far, I guess, but maybe you want to note this.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gC6X6GZC5k7y4craWQZyCvttSZeAD9COK7OO0
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/SwineFluNews/dogs-cats-swine-flu/story?id=9403794
Dogs can get the Swine Flu…