When The Season Turns Wintry It’s Time To Rug Up, Keep Warm And Not Get A “Cold”!
Undeniably, it’s a fact, the colder season tends to expose many of us to colds and the flu. Having a cold and feeling generally out of sorts is an accepted annoyance during the winter months. Can dogs catch colds and flu from people?
Luckily a dog cannot catch a cold or the flu from a person. Virus generally are specific to a specie. So don’t worry, you won’t share your cold with your dog as you both slumber together under a blanket.
Recently, however there have been COVID-19 pandemic cases where dogs have been infected by their owners who have the COVID 19 virus, but it is rare. If you did receive a COVID 19 positive test, to be safe while you recover, have someone care for your dog and other pets.
What Are the Symptoms Of Canine Flu?
Dogs can get canine flu. The symptoms can be the same as people with a cold, such as runny nose, sneezing, coughing, fever, and lack of energy. As this type of flu is specific to dogs, people cannot catch it.
Even though people won’t catch canine flu, if you have touched an infected dog with canine flu, you can easily pass it onto your dog. The canine flu infection can remain active on your skin for a short time and even longer on clothing. So, if you have touched a dog that is ill, you should wash your hands and change your clothes before touching your own dog.
Canine Flu, Mild Or Not
If your dog has canine flu, then usually there is no need to worry. Your dog should recover within a few days or a week, if the symptoms appear mild. If your dog has mild symptoms eating and drinking will be fairly normal, and your dog will have similar energy. On the other hand, if the symptoms are causing poor eating, drinking, and breathing difficulties, then don’t delay take your dog to the vet.
Never Give A Dog Medications Made For People
Cold medications for people are highly dangerous to dogs so never give your dog medications made for humans.
How To Prevent Dogs Getting Canine Flu
Ensure your dogs vaccinations are current as it can reduce the risk of your dog getting illnesses such as canine flu. If you have a new puppy, get the pup vaccinated. It will help to protect against illnesses such as parvovirus, canine distemper, leptospirosis and infectious canine hepatitis.
Once A Day Clean Dog Bowls And Toys
To help stop the spread of canine flu and other illnesses, wash food and water bowls and toys in hot water daily. Equally, if other dogs share bowls and toys, it is important you wash toys and bowls daily. Also, ensure you change their water at least once a day.
Click the link to read how to look after your dog’s oral health