Worry about other dogs. Canine flu is highly contagious between pooches. It spreads at dog parks. It spreads at daycare. It’s a puppy party plague.
Symptoms in dogs look just like yours: sneezing, runny nose, cough, and a sad “do I have to go to work?” expression. They also get lethargic. They’ll refuse their favorite treat.
It’s almost never fatal, thank goodness. But it’s super annoying. Your dog will feel gross. You’ll both feel sorry for each other.
The Wacky Part You’ll Love
Here’s a fun fact that will blow your mind. Dogs can catch the flu from cats. Yes, the ancient rivals share a similar flu virus. Imagine a cat sneezing on a dog. Instant drama.
And get this: one strain of canine flu (H3N2) came directly from birds. Pigeons, ducks, and chickens gave it to dogs. So your dog is carrying avian flu heritage. How fancy is that?
So while you’re lying in bed with a fever, don’t glare at your dog. He’s not your germy enemy. He’s a completely separate ecosystem with a different set of sniffles.
