Can dogs get the flu? What about swine flu or canine influenza?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question. I am so sorry you are sick! The good news is your dog cannot get influenza A from you, so you do not need to withhold contact with her. I hope you feel better soon!

I'm not sure what exactly your veterinarian told you that was confusing, but there are two strains of canine influenza that have caused disease in recent years: H3N8 and H3N2. The second seems to be the most clinically relevant and as far as I know is the cause of all flu outbreaks this year. There is a newer vaccine that covers both H3N8 and H3N2, or you can get each vaccine separately. Parainfluenza is indeed a different virus. The canine influenza vaccine (both strains) is not considered a 'core' vaccine, meaning that dogs who are not at risk (primarily those that are not around large groups of other dogs) probably don't need this vaccine. This might be why your veterinarian said FlynnLee was up to date on vaccines but potentially did not have the influenza vaccine.

There are a few rare cases of dogs catching the flu from their humans, but generally the answer is no. I would recommend having a family member take him to his vet for a check up to see what's going on.

This type of virus usually affects very young or immuno- compromised dogs and cats and in my experience this possibility is not likely at all, especially in healthy patients. A vaccination exists for them as well as for us. I would recommend to have this matter discussed with your local veterinarian, as no course of action (a part from normal hygiene measures like wash your hands) may be needed.

The Canine Flu vaccine is initially two vaccines given 3-4 weeks apaRt. After that, it is a yearly vaccine. If your dog has increased risk of exposure, she should be vaccinated. Dogs with increased risk are dogs that board frequently, go to daycare or dog parks regularly or get groomed regularly.

Thank you for posting your question. If you have introduced a new diet or treat prior to these symptoms arising, that could be the cause and could be a bit of dietary indiscretion. In regards to the canine flu, there are typically other symptoms that we will see and they do not fit the typical presentation. I would say that if their symptoms are no better after doing 24 hours of pepto bismol, I would have them checked out at the vet. Another possibility is that they both got into something toxic. If this is the case, then the sooner you get them in to be seen and tested, the better. Please feel free to contact me with any other concerns you may have. I am also available via consultation.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Yes, it is one possibility but respiratory symptoms are typically accompanied by the canine flu. This could certainly be something else such as dietary indiscretion, ingestion of a foreign object which has caused an intestinal obstruction, infection, systemic disease, etc. I would recommend having Maui examined by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.