H1N1 and Pets
IDEXX Laboratories and the Iowa State Laboratory have now confirmed the H1N1 influenza virus in a dog in Bedford Hills, N.Y. The 13-year-old dog became lethargic, with a cough, fever and no appetite after its owner was ill for several days with the flu. The dog is currently recovering after being treated with intravenous fluids, nebulization and other supportive care measures.
The H1N1 influenza virus has also been confirmed in cats and ferrets.
As with humans, supportive care is the only treatment available for Pets with this virus. However, if your Pet is lethargic, does not have an appetite, has a cough and/or difficulty breathing, and someone in your household has had an influenza-like illness the week prior to the illness of your Pet, you should contact your local Banfield veterinarian.
As always, we recommend Pet owners use preventive care measures to help keep their Pets healthy. Preventive care measures include frequent hand washing and use of alcohol based sanitizers, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze and minimal contact with your Pet if you are presenting any influenza symptoms.
If you have any additional questions about H1N1 and your Pet, please contact your local Banfield veterinarian.
Common questions regarding H1N1 and Pets
Q: If a Pet owner is infected with H1N1, can the Pet become infected through touching the food?
A: It is possible to spread the virus this way but the most common way another person or Pet would become infected is through inhalation of the virus particles. We do recommend Pet owners cover their mouths when they sneeze and cough and wash their hands prior to handling their Pets and their food or water.
Q: Is there a specific treatment for Pets with the H1N1 virus, such as Tamiflu®?
A: Supplies of Tamiflu to the veterinary community have been limited to ensure there is an adequate supply for humans. No one has studied the effectiveness or safety of Tamiflu in Pets. Pet owners should not medicate their Pets themselves with Tamiflu— all treatment should be directed by a veterinarian.
Q: Should immunocompromised persons be kept away from all Pets during flu season?
A: Immunocompromised people should practice meticulous hygiene behaviors every day to avoid coming in contact with any potential pathogen, including the influenza virus. If no other humans in the household are sick, there is no reason to isolate the Pet away from the immunocompromised person as Pets are not the natural host for the virus and have only become infected from other humans.
Q: Do I need to isolate my Pet from people and other Pets if it is showing signs of the flu?
A: We only recommend Pets being isolated from their owners or other Pets if a veterinarian recommends this approach. Isolation could lead to inappetance and depression. Additionally, this would create an obstacle for the Pet owner in monitoring the illness.
The H1N1 influenza virus has also been confirmed in cats and ferrets.
As with humans, supportive care is the only treatment available for Pets with this virus. However, if your Pet is lethargic, does not have an appetite, has a cough and/or difficulty breathing, and someone in your household has had an influenza-like illness the week prior to the illness of your Pet, you should contact your local Banfield veterinarian.
As always, we recommend Pet owners use preventive care measures to help keep their Pets healthy. Preventive care measures include frequent hand washing and use of alcohol based sanitizers, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze and minimal contact with your Pet if you are presenting any influenza symptoms.
If you have any additional questions about H1N1 and your Pet, please contact your local Banfield veterinarian.
Common questions regarding H1N1 and Pets
Q: If a Pet owner is infected with H1N1, can the Pet become infected through touching the food?
A: It is possible to spread the virus this way but the most common way another person or Pet would become infected is through inhalation of the virus particles. We do recommend Pet owners cover their mouths when they sneeze and cough and wash their hands prior to handling their Pets and their food or water.
Q: Is there a specific treatment for Pets with the H1N1 virus, such as Tamiflu®?
A: Supplies of Tamiflu to the veterinary community have been limited to ensure there is an adequate supply for humans. No one has studied the effectiveness or safety of Tamiflu in Pets. Pet owners should not medicate their Pets themselves with Tamiflu— all treatment should be directed by a veterinarian.
Q: Should immunocompromised persons be kept away from all Pets during flu season?
A: Immunocompromised people should practice meticulous hygiene behaviors every day to avoid coming in contact with any potential pathogen, including the influenza virus. If no other humans in the household are sick, there is no reason to isolate the Pet away from the immunocompromised person as Pets are not the natural host for the virus and have only become infected from other humans.
Q: Do I need to isolate my Pet from people and other Pets if it is showing signs of the flu?
A: We only recommend Pets being isolated from their owners or other Pets if a veterinarian recommends this approach. Isolation could lead to inappetance and depression. Additionally, this would create an obstacle for the Pet owner in monitoring the illness.
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