Can Dogs Catch The Flu?

The saying "sick as a dog" might have you wondering, if you're sneezing and sniffling through flu season, is your dog at risk too? It's a fair question, and the answer is a little more nuanced than a straight yes or no.

Quick Takeaways

• Dogs can't catch your common cold. Those viruses are species-specific and don't jump to pets
• There is a dog-specific flu (canine influenza), but it's caught from other dogs, not humans
• The more common culprit for canine respiratory illness in Australia is Kennel Cough
• If your dog sounds like a honking goose, contact your vet and keep them away from other dogs
• COVID-19 poses minimal risk to dogs, and there are no confirmed cases in Australian pets
• While rare, dogs can catch the deadly H5N1 Bird Flu from infected birds 

Can Your Dog Catch Your Cold or Flu?

Your common cold or flu won't travel to your dog. The viruses responsible for these human illnesses are highly species-specific, so if you're bundled up with a box of tissues, your dog can still cuddle up next to you.

Do Dogs Get Their Own Flu?

Yes, dogs have their own strain of influenza called canine influenza virus (CIV). Canine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by an influenza A virus. There are two main strains (H3N8, H3N2) mutated from viruses affecting horses and birds. The good news for Australian dog owners is that canine influenza isn't currently endemic here. Limited infections in Australian dogs have been linked to close contact with infected horses during equine influenza outbreaks, rather than widespread dog-to-dog transmission.

Most dogs recover from canine influenza within two to three weeks, and the fatality rate is low. Symptoms of the mild form include a soft, moist cough, lethargy, reduced appetite, fever, and discharge from the eyes or nose.

What About Kennel Cough?

For most Australian dog owners, Kennel Cough is the far more likely respiratory concern. It’s usually caused by a complex of Canine Parainfluenza virus and the bacteria Bordatella bronchiseptica. Kennel cough is the most common cause of canine upper respiratory tract disease. It’s associated with close-contact settings such as grooming facilities, animal shelters, and dog parks.

The most recognisable sign is a cough that sounds like a "goose honk," which may be followed by retching and gagging. Other symptoms to watch for include sneezing, a runny nose, watery eyes, and general lethargy, all similar to a human cold.

If you spot that characteristic honking cough, contact your vet and isolate your dog from other dogs straight away to prevent the infection from spreading.

What About COVID-19?

The COVID-19 virus has not been reported in domestic animals in Australia, and there is currently no evidence of transmission from domestic animals to people.

What About H5N2 Bird Flu?

The risk of dogs contracting the H5N1 bird flu in Australia is currently very low. Symptoms can include lethargy, a reduced appetite, respiratory and neurological signs. While transmission is rare, it’s best to keep your dog on a leash near wildlife and don’t allow them to scavenge bird carcasses. If you think your dog may have been exposed to sick birds, isolate them and contact your veterinarian promptly. 

How to Support a Sick Dog at Home

If your vet has confirmed a respiratory illness and your dog is recovering at home, here's how to help:

• Keep the fluids up. Replenish their water bowl frequently with fresh, clean water
• Keep walks short for toileting only until they have recovered
• Use a harness on walks. If your dog is coughing, a collar puts pressure on the trachea and can worsen irritation 
• Rest is non-negotiable. No running, active play, or off-lead time until their symptoms have resolved
• Watch for warning signs. Seek urgent vet attention if you notice laboured breathing, bluish gums, a worsening cough, or if your dog seems generally unwell or isn't eating

Much like a human flu shot, the Kennel Cough vaccine doesn't prevent infection outright, but it can significantly lessen symptom severity and reduce the risk of complications like pneumonia. It's recommended for dogs that are in close contact with other dogs, for example those that board, visit grooming salons, or spend time at dog parks.

Supporting your dog's overall health year-round is also worthwhile. Browse DOG by Dr Lisa's range of dog supplements and dog care products. Vet-developed to help keep your dog in great shape between vet visits.