RSS
Home
Know the flu risk for your pet
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Flu vaccines aren't just for people anymore
Time.com reported yesterday that the first case of H1N1 flu has been confirmed in a housecat. While this cat is older, which may mean that its immune system was somewhat compromised, this is possibly a harbinger of future illnesses in pets.
This cat apparently caught H1N1 from its owners, which means that people can transmit the disease to pets. While there is no indication that the virus can be transmitted from pets to people, so little is known at this time that it is not outside the realm of possibility.
Before you scrub your pet's paws with hand sanitizer, Time reports that influenza viruses do not seem to spread readily among animals, so it is possible "that pets are not ideal reservoirs for influenza."
Canine flu
Completely separate from H1N1, the canine influenza virus affects dogs only, although it is believed to have originated from equine flu. This is a new virus, but has the potential to make your dog very ill. Fortunately, there is a vaccine available for canine flu. Talk to your vet about whether to immunize your dog, particularly if he or she is regularly around other dogs for any reason. If you are planning to board your dog in the near future, talk to the facility to determine whether a flu vaccine is suggested or even required.
Symptoms of canine flu are similar to kennel cough (bordetella), but your vet can test for canine flu to confirm what exactly is going on if your dog is sick.
November 11 update:
Vets and boarding facilities are beginning to require vaccination against canine flu. Suwanee Animal Hospital is one of them, issuing an email alert to dogs owners this week. If you are planning to board your pet, check with the facility to determine whether the vaccine is required. Suwanee Animal Hospital recommends getting the vaccine a few weeks before actually boarding to allow time for immunity to develop. The vaccine is 2 doses given 2 weeks apart, and there is an annual revaccination (just like for people).
11 clinics in the Atlanta area have reported cases of canine flu, so dogs are being sickened by it in our area and pet owners should take precautions. Suwanee Animal Hospital indicates that if you are currently vaccinating your dog against kennel cough (bordetella), your dog is a 'prime candidate for the canine influenza vaccine'. Unless your dog has already had canine flu or gets the vaccine, he or she can contract it through contact with other dogs.
Suwanee Animal Hospital notes that canine flu is spread in the same ways as human flu:
- Direct contact (licking, nuzzling)
- [Through] the air (coughing, sneezing)
- Contaminated surfaces (hands, clothing, or other surfaces)
The decontamination/preventative measures noted below will help prevent initial illness or reinfection if your dog has already contracted the virus.
Based on this information, you may wish to talk to your veterinarian for more information on canine flu in your area. Many thanks to Suwanee Animal Hospital for proactively sending out this information!
Symptoms of flu in pets
Symptoms of flu and flu-like illnesses in pets are similar to those people experience:
- General sense of malaise - the animal seems 'off' or 'not himself'
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Fever - Normal body temperatures are: dog - 101-102 degrees; cat - 100.5 - 102.5 degrees; ferret - 100 - 102 degrees. If you are not able to take your pet's temperature, a hot and dry nose often indicates a fever
If you think your pet may be ill, contact your vet immediately.
How to avoid flu in pets or sanitize after an illness
Keeping your pets free of flu or sanitizing your home after an outbreak is mostly the same as the steps for any flu or communicable disease:
- Wash your hands frequently - the ASPCA recommends wearing gloves while handling an infected animal
- Sanitize all surfaces that the animal has come into contact with - wash bedding and soft toys in warm water and use soap and water and/or a product like Lysol for hard surfaces (e.g. crates, hard toys, baseboards near pet beds if your pet uses them as a headrest)
- Wash food and water bowls regularly
- Keep your pet hydrated
If you have any questions on flu or other flu-like illnesses that may impact your pet, please contact your vet. Other references for pet flu information are linked below:
- The ASPCA's FAQs on canine flu
- The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has a long list of suggestions for canine flu control, particularly for those around larger numbers of dogs
- USA Today article on canine flu - it includes information on the vaccine and how to determine whether your dog is at a high risk
- General information on worldwide H1N1 tracking in animals - no trends have been found to-date
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
