Can Dogs Catch the Flu From Humans?
Posted by Volhard Dog Nutrition on Jun 20th 2023
With the summer halfway through, we're only a few weeks away from the flu season revving up to full swing. Just like clockwork, the flu virus will creep up once again, bringing along its trusty sidekicks: sniffles, coughs, and fevers galore.
But here's a little twist in the tale. Picture this: you're huddled up on your couch, a box of tissues by your side, a hot cup of tea in your hand, and your loyal furball right by your side, providing some much-needed comfort and companionship. Now, amidst all your sneezing and coughing, a thought sneaks into your mind: "Can dogs come down with human flu?"
Can Dogs Get the Flu From Humans?
Fortunately, the short answer is no; there's no conclusive evidence that dogs can catch the flu from humans or vice versa, regardless of how many snotty tissues your four-legged partner's exposed to! That is because the human and dog flu viruses are not the same.
But, of course, that won't stop canine influenza viruses from targeting your four-legged friend!
What is the Canine Influenza Virus?
Canine influenza — or "dog flu" — is the respiratory illness caused by the Type A influenza viruses. Although contagious, it affects only a minimal percentage of the canine population, with an even smaller mortality rate. Research shows that mainly immunocompromised, very young, very old, and untreated dogs succumb to this condition.
The two dog flu strains responsible for canine influenza are H3N8 and H3N2. Previously, the flu vaccine targeted only the H3N8 strain. Nowadays, however, it protects the canine population against both strains.
Veterinarians provide the dog flu vaccine as a series of two injections spaced four weeks apart. Flu vaccinations are not mandatory, although it's recommended that you have your dog vaccinated if they're immunocompromised.
H3N8
Scientists identified the H3N8 strain in 2004. It is believed that this strain is the direct result of equine influenza viruses jumping species (that is, from horses to dogs) and adapting to their new hosts.
The H3N8 strain affects dogs all across the United States, particularly those housed in kennels and in shelters.
H3N2
The H3N2 canine influenza viruses were first identified in dogs across the United States in 2015. They originated from other species (that is, birds), migrating to dogs and adapting to the new hosts. Scientists believe that the virus probably originated from the Asian continent.
How Do Dogs Catch Influenza?
The canine influenza virus is highly contagious. It spreads through respiratory secretions (that is, nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing), just like in humans. It can also be caught by sharing a water bowl with a sick dog!
The virus can survive on any surface for up to 48 hours, which makes it easier to transmit through direct contact or shared water, as stated above. Although unaffected by it, humans can inadvertently transmit the virus among the canine population, potentially leading to an epidemic.
High-traffic dog areas like boarding kennels, doggy daycares, dog parks, and animal shelters are the prime areas where the virus can spread easily. Dogs with a weakened immune system are more susceptible to canine influenza.
The Most Common Dog Flu Symptoms
Dog and humans often exhibit similar flu-like symptoms, such as:
- Coughing
- Decreased appetite
- Difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Runny nose and eyes
- Sneezing
Can Other Viruses Migrate to Our Dogs?
Although only on rare occasions, other viruses might find ways to migrate to our pets.
Such was the case of a 13-year-old indoor cat from Iowa, who, in 2009, contracted the H1N1 virus (also known as the "swine influenza" virus) from humans. According to local news, two out of the three family members experienced flu-like symptoms before the cat came down with the illness.
Likewise, a Finnish study ascertained that the norovirus (that is, a highly contagious virus causing diarrhea and vomiting — i.e., the "stomach flu") can migrate to dogs. Out of the 92 fecal samples from dogs living in households with infected humans, 4 contained human strains of this virus. However, only two of them ever developed flu symptoms.
While viruses do find ways to migrate to new hosts, they rarely affect our canine companions.
Your Dog May Come Down With Influenza at Any Time!
Unlike humans, who associate influenza with the onset of autumn, dogs can come down with this disease at any time. Outbreaks often spark up in kennels or shelters, from where infected dogs transmit the viruses to the outdoor canine population. With enough cases, an outbreak can easily turn into an epidemic.
Once your dog is exposed to an infected host, the virus will take 2-4 days to incubate. The H3N8 and H3N2 strains remain contagious for up to 26 days, so we recommend isolating the infected dog for a minimum of 3 weeks to avoid transmitting the virus to another host.
How to Treat Canine Influenza
Your dog's treatment for flu symptoms will depend on the disease's progression.
Canine influenza does not know a specific treatment. The flu viruses respond to antibiotics only when causing secondary bacterial infections (for example, pneumonia). Fortunately, most dogs recover from the illness within a few weeks.
Keep Your Dog Properly Hydrated
Staying hydrated plays a crucial part in helping your dog recover from influenza. Drinking plenty of water will empower the immune system to warm off the dog flu virus and recover its health. Keep a water bowl within your dog's reach at all times. However, contact your veterinarian if the symptoms persist for more than a week to avoid the risk of secondary bacterial infections.
What About a Multi-Dog Household?
Dogs with a strong immune system will probably overcome the sickness right off the bat. That's because they'll quickly build antibodies to the flu virus, ensuring their immunity for months or even years!
However, the risk of contracting dog flu increases exponentially in multi-dog households. Let's say Zeus, a two-year-old Aussie Shepherd, catches the flu virus at his day care and brings it home. Like 20-25% of dogs, Zeus is asymptomatic, which means he may pass it off to his pack members, including Lightning, a 13-year-old Golden Retriever with a weak immune system!
You can minimize the risk of bringing the canine flu virus into your home by:
- Planning playdates with parents who keep a close eye on their dogs' health.
- Washing your hands or using hand sanitizer after petting other dogs.
Prevent Canine Influenza Viruses From Infecting Your Dog!
Although dogs cannot get the flu from their parents, they might at all times catch the disease from other sick animals. One dog is more than enough to cause an epidemic, so be sure to keep your furry friend away from sick pups and quarantine them if they ever catch the flu virus. For more advice on dog nutrition, health, and training, make sure that you contact us and check out our blog!
Volhard Dog Nutrition and its expert nutritionists are now offering online consultations to help more dog parents discover why, what, and how to feed their dogs the healthiest of foods! Speaking to a Volhard nutritionist will help you understand the inseparable relationship between healthy food, a healthy body, and a healthy mind. If you're interested in contacting one of our Volhard nutritionists, don't hesitate to access our consultation page!