There is a lot of information about H1N1 (Swine) flu and how to protect yourself and your family.  But what about our dogs? Can they catch or spread H1N1 (Swine) flu to each other or members of their human family? In all probabilities the answer is no. This isn’t an absolute answer however, as viruses change, but historically there are no known dog/cat to human (or vice-versa) influenza transmissions.

There are two types of influenza viruses: Type A and Type B. The Type A viruses are found in humans and many types of animals, usually strains specific to that species. The type B viruses circulate widely among humans.

Dogs and other pets do have their own versions of influenza viruses. The canine influenza virus is an influenza Type A H3N8 virus, and the feline version is Type A H5N1 influenza virus. (The numbers and letters after the type denote the numbers and types of proteins on the surface of the virus. The letter H stands for hemagglutinin and the letter N stands for neuraminidase.2)

Who is spreading what virus? Its a fact that birds play an important role in the spread of all influenza A viruses. From the CDC: “Wild birds are the primary natural reservoir for all subtypes of influenza A viruses and are thought to be the source of influenza A viruses in all other animals.” Read more

While rare, there have been human infections from pigs. In this current case of swine flu, a pig virus mixed with a human virus at some point in time to produce the new strain that is being passed human-to-human. This allows for quick spread of this virus in the human population. Because this is a newly created (reasserted) virus, humans do not have any immunity from previous exposures as with “regular” viruses.

Both humans and dogs have influenza Type A viruses that can infect and cause illness in dogs and cats, humans are not as similar of a species to share these viruses in the current forms. There have been no reports yet of any cases that have spread to humans or from humans to pets.