Can Dogs Get the Flu?
Even though it's uncommon for dogs to receive a bug from people, dogs can very rarely contract a limited number of illnesses that people have. Knowing what steps to take will help keep your dog healthy.
Can Human Colds Spread to Dogs?
Dogs cannot catch human colds since they exclusively affect humans (and possibly certain monkeys). Dogs and humans are not the same species, and cold viruses are species-specific.
Dogs do not get colds, but they can catch a variety of illnesses that have symptoms that are similar to those of a cold.
Can dogs spread colds to one another?
Dogs cannot technically catch a cold, but they can spread illnesses that have symptoms resembling the common cold in humans. One dog can infect another by sneezing, coughing, or having a runny nose.
A dog with a respiratory illness should be kept away from other dogs until they have received treatment and are no longer exhibiting symptoms because many diseases are so contagious.
Canine Respiratory Illnesses
Dogs can develop several illnesses and conditions that may have cold-like symptoms.
Bordatella
Although it's not the only one, this bacteria is among the most prevalent causes of kennel cough in dogs. People are unaffected by Bordetella bronchiseptica, but dogs who contract it may experience a variety of respiratory symptoms, including coughing.
Pneumonia may potentially develop if untreated. A vaccine is frequently used to help reduce a dog's risk of contracting this seriously infectious illness.
Parainfluenza
Canine parainfluenza, also known as CPIV, differs from canine influenza but is nonetheless quite contagious among dogs. 5 The parainfluenza virus, like bordetella, can cause kennel cough and produce respiratory symptoms like coughing and runny nose.
A parainfluenza vaccine exists, but it is not regarded as a core vaccine in and of itself. It is frequently given as a component of a combination vaccine with other core doses. If your dogs often interact with other dogs, talk to your doctor about immunizing them against parainfluenza.
Adenovirus
Adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2) is a condition that produces tolerable respiratory symptoms akin to a cold. It is possible to get vaccinated against the more dangerous adenovirus type
(CAV-1), which can give dogs hepatitis. The adenovirus vaccination is a fundamental vaccine as a result.
Animal Flu
Like the common cold, dogs cannot contract the flu from people, but they can get canine influenza, sometimes known as dog flu. 2 H3N2 and H3N8 are two viruses that cause canine influenza.
Infected dogs with these viruses experience respiratory symptoms, but if the sickness is treated, significant illness is uncommon. For dogs routinely exposed to other dogs through boarding, daycare, and shows, vaccinations against both flu virus strains are available and may be advised.
Cardiopulmonary Coronavirus
Although uncommon, a coronavirus variant in dogs might result in respiratory problems. It is not spread by individuals.
The infection is norm usually severe, and coughing and sneezing are common respiratory symptoms. It could also be present at the same time as another kennel cough-causing respiratory illness.
