Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

My dog is showing flu symptoms. Can he catch human flu from me?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

I have Influenza B and pneumonia and i my dog is showing the same symptoms as me is it possible for he to catch influenza from me when I ws discharged from hospital I was given a bunch of masks for all my family members to wear so they wouldn't catch it from me but obviously my dog can't wear a mask so do u tjink he has it?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By C. Rathjens, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 26th, 2018

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.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Image profile

    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on January 3rd, 2018

    It is rare and rather unlikely that your dog will contract your flu. Human and canine flu viruses are different and typically do not infect other species. As long as you are practicing proper hygiene and taking precautions, Johnny should be safe. Get well soon!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 7th, 2019

    Humans have not been shown to pass the flu virus onto pets. Viruses can make interspecies jumps but this type has not been found. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
If I'm capable of having the flu is it possible to pass it to my dog?
Humans have not been shown to pass the flu virus onto pets. Viruses can make interspecies jumps but this type has not been found. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
I have a contagious flu and wearing mask all day. Can my Yorkshire Terrier who is three years and six month old get the flu from me. Johnny sleeps in my room in his bed. I have not kissed my dog since I got the flu. Just pet him. Am I doing the rig
It is rare and rather unlikely that your dog will contract your flu. Human and canine flu viruses are different and typically do not infect other species. As long as you are practicing proper hygiene and taking precautions, Johnny should be safe. Get well soon!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
I got diagnosed with influenza A. I am worried about my 4 dogs and my cat because I read that they can catch that particular flu. Is that true? What should I do? I'm very concerned about my babies. Thank you for your time.
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.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Can dogs and cats get the flu? If so, what are the common signs and what can I do to help?
While dogs and cats cannot get the "human" flu, they can certainly get species-specific strains. Canine influenza (the longer word for "flu") is starting to become more prevalent in some parts of the U.S., and seems to pose an exceptional risk to dogs that are housed together (shelters, racing greyhounds, breeding operations) as well as dogs that congregate together (boarding, doggie-day care, dog parks). If your dog frequently spends time with other dogs, and their exact vaccination status and how well they are cared for is unknown to you, you should consider getting him vaccinated against the flu. There is one vaccination (called the "bivalent") that is effective against both of the major strains of canine flu. If you notice any respiratory symptoms in your dog, such as coughing, sneezing, or nasal discharge, especially if accompanied by fever and/or lethargy, see your vet immediately, and don't assume that he's having a bout of the comparatively mild kennel cough. Cats do als
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
I have Influenza A. My golden is 12 yrs old, has liver issues, and I was wondering if I need to withstand contact with her.
Thank you for contacting Boop by Petco 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!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Hi I'm a breeder of 9 years and I've never had such a problem, so I'm just trying to find answers. I had a litter of 9 rough collies and with in the first week we lost 3. All possible intervention was taken even a vet trip with one, they were even s
First off, I'm extremely sorry you lost three puppies. That is terrible and please accept my condolences for your loss. It is extremely rare that a puppy or dog could catch the flu from a human (not a silly question!), so it's unlikely that is the cause. Unfortunately puppies are quite fragile, and there are some that do not make it. You sound like you have been very lucky to have never lost puppies like this before! It truly can happen, and there is nothing you could have done to prevent it. Nine is a big litter too, and these puppies may have just been more fragile than the others, or weren't getting enough milk. Again, I'm sorry.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
I heard cats cant get the norovirus/stomach flu. But can dogs get the norovirous/stomach flu?? Or do they both have a chance of getting the viruses ???
Generally feline and human viruses do not transfer between each other, and it is highly unlikely a cat can get norovirus. If they did, it would not be the same symptoms as you see in humans. There is some limited research suggesting that dogs can carry strains of the human norovirus but it is thought unlikely that the dog will exhibit symptoms of the human norovirus. If they do become ill, it's more likely an unrelated gastroenteritis. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
I'm pretty sure my dog has the flu because I just got done with it. He was sick 2 days ago but seems way better today like he's finally eating and drinking. Should I still be worried. When he was sick all he did was throw up but no diarrhea. He did d
It is unlikely that he caught the flu from you. It's more likely he had a touch of gastroenteritis. If he is eating and drinking and not vomiting he should be over the worst of it. If it starts again take him to the vet in case something else is going on.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What is the appropriate medicine for the treatment of influenza in the dog?
This is generally treated with supportive care. Antibiotics may be needed to treat secondary bacterial infections. Cough suppressants and bronchodilators are generally used as well. If severe, cases should be managed in the hospital setting. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Hello, I have a dog, 1year 8 month, 10 kg_ 12kg, I can see simphtomes that is get flu. What I have to give him before see a vet? I hear that 1/2 cp paracetamol is good to give him (or any Medicine for human). Can you tell me please if I can do that
No, I'm sorry, but you can't give Miki the paracetamol. It is toxic to dogs. In fact, it is very unwise ever to give a medication formulated for humans to a dog. as many can cause serious side effects. Your best bet is to take no action until he is seen by the vet.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored