December 22, 2009

The first known case of H1N1 influenza (swine flu) in a dog has been identified. The dog, a 13 year-old mixed breed who lives just north of New York City, was brought  to his vet on December 13th because he was suffering from breathing problems. The vet decided to test the dog for swine flu because the dog’s owner had previously had swine flu. The dog is now recovering and “getting back to his old self” according to one of his vets, and it is believed that the dog caught the virus from his owner. Although this is the first case of swine flu to be identified in a dog, two other types of pets – cats and ferrets – have caught swine flu from humans.

Despite the apparent ability of swine flu to travel from a dog to a human, Michael San Filippo, a spokesman for the American Veterinary Association, stated that there is no evidence that this flu strain can be transmitted from a pet to a person. “In theory it could happen, but so far it’s really looking like a dead end in pets,” said San Filippo. He also added that the American Veterinary Association is recommending that people with sick pets wash their hands often and “isolate [them]selves from each other, which we realize is only possible to some degree." ?

Dr. Daniel Lauridia, chief veterinarian of DoggedHealth.com, recommends that people take the same precautions to prevent transmitting flu to their dogs as they would to prevent transmitting flu to other people. For example, if you are sick, Lauridia advises avoiding kissing your dog, washing your hands before touching your dog, and, of course, trying not to sneeze or cough on or near your dog.

The symptoms of swine flu in dogs are similar to flu symptoms in humans and include lethargy, coughing, runny nose, fever, reduced appetite and/or breathing problems. And treatment options for dogs with swine flu are similar to the treatment options available to humans in that they include supportive care such as ensuring proper nutrient intake, hydration and easing breathing difficulties; Tamiflu in some cases; and antibiotics in the event of secondary infections.