Can I give my dog the flu?

So you’ve got the flu and you’re wondering if you can infect your pet dog with it. You need them to help you through it, but you also don’t want a best buddy to get sick.

Video: How To Protect Your Dog from Dog Flu: Canine Influenza (CIV) In Dogs

You’ll be happy to know that you’ll still be able to snuggle up with your dog since it’s almost impossible for them to catch the human strain of the virus. This is not to say there’s no such thing as a canine flu.

So this is good news but it’s not out of the question that your dog could get the flu. That’s why you should take some precautions, but normally you don’t have to do anything out of the ordinary. In other words, your pet isn’t at much risk.

Video: Kennel Cough Medicine Watch This!

Can I Give My Dog the Flu? Answer: Not Likely

For a long time it was thought that dogs get a different strain of the flu virus than we do, so it couldn’t be given back and forth between the species.

There is some new evidence that may be confirmed in the future saying that it might be possible for dogs and humans to pass flu bugs between each other. Plus there are plenty of owners that swear that their dog gets sick when they do, and vice versa.

The overwhelming majority say that this is not something you need to be concerned with for the most part.

Your Dog is Comforting

Feeling good even when you’re feeling bad is important to the recovery process. Petting your dog, lying next to your dog, and watching your dog be a dog are all things that will help you feel good and get better more quickly.

Of course you don’t want to push things too far and have your dog lick your face while you’re sick with the flu and draining fluids from your nose. You’ll still want to be sanitary and sensible, but you don’t have to quarantine yourself away from your dog or avoid going near them.

Simple things like having them lay on your feet if your feet are cold, or simply having them nearby so that they can keep you company when the rest of the family doesn’t want to get near you will go a long way in making you feel loved and appreciated. These feelings are crucial to the healing process, and getting the flu might have been your body’s way of saying slow down and smell the roses more.

The Flu in Dogs

Dogs can get the flu but it’s not the same flu that we get, so you do not have to worry about getting sick from them if they start coughing and showing other symptoms.

Video: Dog Flu Warning Signs

That’s one of the good things about pets is that we can help them when they get sick and they in turn brighten our day and help keep us company when we get sick. It’s definitely a symbiotic relationship, with both sides getting mutual benefits.

Tips for Flu Recovery

It’s often thought that chicken soup is good for the flu, but there are plenty of other things you can do to try to get better faster. Of course you’ll want to stay hydrated as best as you can, forcing fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty. Next year you might consider getting the flu shot, but if you’ve already got it this year it’s too late.

Conclusion on the Flu

Regardless of how much you end up interacting with your dog while you have the flu, you can rest knowing that you probably won’t get them sick. It might be a small win for you when everything else seems to be going wrong, but as long as you keep your spirits up, you’ll be over this ailment and no time. Your dog will be waiting to see you at full strength so you can go for a walk, or take them to the park. Feel better soon!

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