As pet parents, we often share everything with our dogs—our homes, our beds, our snacks, and our love. But when flu season hits, many dog owners wonder: Can dogs get the flu from humans? The short answer is no—dogs cannot catch human influenza viruses. However, dogs have their own strain of flu, known as canine influenza, and it can cause similar symptoms. Understanding the difference is key to keeping your pup happy and healthy during flu season.
In this guide, we’ll break down what pet owners need to know about the flu, the risks of transmission, the signs of illness in dogs, and how to protect your furry best friend.
Can Dogs Catch the Flu From Humans?
No, dogs cannot catch human influenza strains (such as H1N1 or seasonal flu viruses) from people. These viruses are specific to humans, and there is no evidence that they spread to dogs.
However, dogs do have their own flu viruses:
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H3N8 Canine Influenza Virus – First identified in Florida in 2004 among racing greyhounds.
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H3N2 Canine Influenza Virus – Originally spread from birds to dogs, first detected in the U.S. in 2015.
Both strains are highly contagious among dogs, but they do not infect humans.
👉 Bottom line: While you don’t have to worry about giving your dog your flu, your dog could still catch canine flufrom another dog.
How Does Canine Influenza Spread?
Canine flu spreads much like the human flu:
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Direct Contact: Nose-to-nose greetings with other dogs, playdates, or shared toys with an infected dog.
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Airborne Droplets: Sneezes and coughs can spread the virus through the air.
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Contaminated Surfaces: Bowls, bedding, or even your clothing can carry viral particles.
Dogs that spend time in kennels, dog parks, daycare, or grooming salons are at a higher risk because of close contact with other pups.
Symptoms of Canine Influenza
The signs of dog flu are very similar to human flu symptoms. Watch out for:
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Persistent coughing (wet or dry)
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Sneezing and nasal discharge
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Watery eyes
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Lethargy or tiredness
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Loss of appetite
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Fever (often mild, but sometimes high)
Many dogs can recover in 2–3 weeks, but some cases can lead to secondary infections such as pneumonia, which can be serious if untreated.
Can Humans Get the Dog Flu?
Good news: there are no documented cases of humans catching canine influenza. These viruses seem to be species-specific, meaning they stick to dogs.
That said, dogs can pass it to each other very easily, so if you have multiple pets, one sick dog can quickly lead to an outbreak at home.
How Is Canine Influenza Diagnosed?
If your dog is showing flu-like symptoms, your veterinarian may recommend:
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Physical Exam to check for fever and respiratory distress.
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Diagnostic Tests such as PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing to confirm the virus.
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X-rays if pneumonia is suspected.
Since canine flu looks similar to kennel cough and other respiratory conditions, a proper vet diagnosis is essential.
Treatment Options for Dog Flu
There’s no specific cure for canine influenza, but most dogs recover with supportive care:
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Rest – Minimize activity while your pup heals.
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Fluids – Keep fresh water available to prevent dehydration.
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Nutrition – Encourage eating, even if appetite is low.
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Medications – Vets may prescribe antibiotics for secondary infections or cough suppressants for comfort.
Severe cases may require hospitalization, IV fluids, or oxygen therapy.
Prevention: How to Protect Your Dog From the Flu
While you can’t give your dog your flu, you can help protect them from canine influenza:
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Vaccination – Canine influenza vaccines (covering H3N2 and H3N8) are available and often recommended for dogs in high-risk environments.
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Limit Exposure – During outbreaks, avoid crowded dog parks, boarding facilities, or daycare centers.
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Practice Good Hygiene – Wash hands and change clothes after contact with other dogs before petting your pup.
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Keep Sick Dogs Isolated – If your dog is coughing or sneezing, keep them away from other pets until cleared by a vet.
When to Call the Vet
Contact your veterinarian if your dog shows:
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Persistent or lingering coughing lasting more than a few days
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Green, yellow, or bloody nasal discharge
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High fever or lethargy
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Difficulty breathing
Prompt treatment can prevent complications and speed up recovery.
Key Takeaways for Pet Owners
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Dogs cannot get the flu from humans, but they can catch canine influenza.
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Canine flu spreads quickly among dogs but does not affect people.
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Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, fever, and lethargy.
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Most dogs recover in 2–3 weeks, but some may develop complications.
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Prevention through vaccination and good hygiene is the best defense.
Final Thoughts
If you’re down with the flu this season, you don’t need to worry about giving it to your pup. But you should keep an eye on your dog for signs of their own flu strain, especially if they’ve recently been around other dogs. With proper care, most dogs bounce back quickly from canine influenza, but prevention and early treatment are always best.
Your dog may not catch your flu, but just like us, they rely on a little TLC when they’re under the weather.
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With the development of our coat-specific shampoos, conditioner and deodorizing spray, we think we found just the way to say thanks for being the best and the sweetest MVP of the house. Skin and coat health is very important to us.
PRIDE+GROOM is the first dog grooming brand launched under a beauty platform, with formulas made in a clean beauty and scent lab. We know beauty is not only skin deep. We did a ton of research to create the entire line. Each product is formulated with its own unique blend of essential oils sourced from around the world.
IN DOG WE TRUST
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