The Flu and Your Pet
Thursday, November 5, 2009

Tips to Prevent Infecting Your Pet with the Flu and the H1N1 Virus

BOSTON - Following reports of pet owners infecting their cat with the H1N1 virus, leading veterinary experts at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston are advising pet owners of the precautions to take to prevent infecting a pet with the flu. By following several simple steps, pet owners can drastically reduce the possibility of passing these illnesses and other viruses to their pet.

“It is widely documented that pets can catch the flu from humans; however, it is not proven that pets can infect humans with the virus,” said Dr. Jean Duddy of Angell’s Internal Medicine service. “Pet owners should be on the lookout during flu season for flu symptoms in their pets that are identical to those experienced by humans including lethargy, loss of appetite, dehydration, fever, coughing and sneezing. If you suspect that your pet is sick, it is important to take him or her to your veterinarian for treatment and not to attempt treatment yourself.”

To prevent the spread of a flu virus to your pet, please follow these steps if you suspect that you are sick:

• Avoid close contact with your pet until you are no longer infectious
• Wash your hands before and after touching your pet
• Do not sneeze on or near your pet
• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing
• Do not kiss or hug pet
• Wear gloves when changing your cat's litter

“When you are sick it is important to treat your pet as you would a family member or friend to prevent infecting them,” added Duddy.