When the weather gets colder and rainy, it’s usually a sign that flu season is here. We take precautions for ourselves, but it’s important to remember that dogs can also get sick. They can catch the flu from humans too.
Signs Your Dog May Have the Flu
If your dog is showing strange symptoms, they may have the flu. Look out for signs such as excessive sleepiness, staring off into space, shaking, and weakness. These are all indications that something is wrong with your dog’s health.
Body Language
Other signs that your dog may have the flu include mucus or discharge from the nose, coughing, sneezing, and fever. These symptoms are similar to what humans experience when they have the flu.
The History Behind Dogs Getting the Flu
Dogs have been getting sick for as long as we’ve known them, but we only recently discovered that they can get the flu virus. The first instance of dog flu was in 2004 when 22 greyhounds became ill. Since then, vets have been able to diagnose and treat the dog flu.
The Science Behind the Dog Flu
The dog flu was first recognized in 2004 by researchers from The University of Florida and Cornell University. They found that the first strain occurred in 1999. While there is no clear explanation for why it occurs, dogs can get sick just like humans due to certain bacteria.
Dealing With the Doggy Flu
You can’t prevent your dog from getting sick, but you can help them through their illness. Find a quiet area for them to rest, monitor their appetite, and make sure they stay hydrated. If their symptoms persist, take them to the vet for medication.
Taking care of your dog during flu season is just as important as taking care of yourself.
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ It’s important to be aware of the signs that your dog may be unwell during flu season. Symptoms can include increased sleepiness, lack of focus, shaking, weakness, discharge from the nose, coughing, sneezing, and fever.
2️⃣ If your dog shows symptoms of the flu, it’s advisable to provide them a quiet place to rest, monitor their food intake, and keep them hydrated. If symptoms persist, you should take your dog to the vet for medical treatment.
3️⃣ The dog flu, also known as canine influenza, was first discovered in 2004 by The University of Florida and Cornell University. Since then, it has been identified in 31 states, and veterinarians have developed treatments to help dogs recover from the virus.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. How can dogs catch the flu?
– Dogs can catch the flu from humans or other dogs who are infected with the virus.
2. What are the common signs of flu in dogs?
– Common signs of flu in dogs include sleepiness, lack of focus, shaking, weakness, mucus or discharge from the nose, coughing, sneezing, and fever.
3. When was the dog flu first discovered?
– The dog flu, also known as canine influenza, was first discovered in 2004 when 22 greyhounds from a racing facility became sick with a mysterious illness.
4. How can you help your dog when they have the flu?
– When your dog has the flu, you can provide them with a quiet area to rest, monitor their appetite and ensure they eat small amounts of food, take them to the veterinarian if symptoms persist, track their prescribed medication, and keep them hydrated by providing plenty of water.
5. How can veterinarians diagnose and treat the dog flu?
– Veterinarians can easily identify the symptoms of the dog flu and may prescribe medication to help dogs recover. They have been developing new ways to treat the different strains of the virus that have emerged over the years.
