Fatigue, sore throat, and fever, everyone knows these symptoms. In winter and autumn in particular, the flu bothers us. But can you continue to cuddle with your four-legged friend without worrying, even if you are sick? Or do you have to worry that you can infect your dog with the flu? We’ll tell you whether you can infect your dog with the flu or he can infect you.
Can I catch my dog ​​with the flu?
Flu, also known as influenza, is caused by viruses. These are small pathogens that multiply quickly in the body. There are hundreds of different flu viruses.
Human and canine flu viruses are different. So if you’re sick with the flu, it’s less likely that you’ll be able to infect your dog. Dogs are immune to many viruses to which humans are susceptible. Studies have shown that while human influenza viruses can be transmitted to dogs, they usually do not get sick. The probability that you will infect your fur nose with the flu is therefore rather low. However, since influenza viruses are constantly evolving, transmission to dogs cannot be completely ruled out.
However, as a result of the flu, bacteria also appear. A cold caused by bacteria can be transmitted from humans to dogs. So, if you have a cold, be careful not to sneeze or cough in your dog’s direction and discard used tissues.
Can my dog ​​give me the flu?
So far there have been no known cases of a dog infecting a human with the flu. Although dogs can get the flu, it is caused by different viruses than humans. Here, too, it is very unlikely that a person will be infected by the dog. However, the risk of infection among dogs is high, which is why a sick dog in the household should be isolated from other animals as much as possible.
Thus, the transmission of the disease from humans to animals and vice versa is unlikely, but cannot be completely ruled out. It is much more likely that humans and dogs will infect their fellows.
Causes
Infection is particularly easy if your four-legged friend’s immune system is weakened. So make sure you always dry your dog properly after a walk and don’t let him play in the snow for too long. A balanced diet also contributes to a strong immune system.
