A strange question.

Like other's have already posted, no, you can not catch a flu from a dog, and a dog can not catch a flu from you. It stays with in a species (usually) and it takes A LOT for it to mutate into a form you could catch. There are animals, like ferrets, that you can give the flu to and they can give it to you. However, reading around, this is the only animal that you can give the flu to, and that you can get the flu from.

I really do believe it is possible for animals to catch the flu and sometimes colds from us humans. Infact our puppy just got over being sick. I was worried it was parvo, but he did not have the symptoms of parvo.And after about three days he was acting normal again...I think he had the flu. But I would suggest if you are ever worried about your pet(s), you should call a vet. :)

Hi Meeandnotyou, You've already received some great information about flu strains that have jumped animal species. Yes, your furry friend can contract such influenza viruses. Heeding the advice contained within the other post will limit possible contraction. However, in addressing your specific question of whether your furry friends can contract the flu from you and/or your family ... Generally speaking no, they cannot. However, a dog with a compromised immune system may become futher compromised by pathogens that they generally wouldn't be bothered by. For example, if the dog has allergies, or is geriatric, or is battling a more serious disease like an auto-immune disorder, or diabetes, or cancer. In such cases, the immuno tax load of fighting the more serious illness may make the dog succeptable to pathogens that normally would be inconsequential. You've probably noticed that many dog food labels these days include ingredients like: Ascorbic acid, Omega-3 fatty acids, tocopherol, etc... This move on the part of feed manufacturers is to help boost canine immuno response to the crud that we humans also fight in our shared environment. Feed manufacturers are taking the nutritional needs of our four-legged friends much more seriously these days. A move I applaud, by the way. My rule of thumb is: To keep a dog healthy, make sure the dog has a healthy digestive system. If the dog is eating healthy food, and has the necessary enzymes and beneficial intestinal bacteria, then the dog's immune system will be strong enough to keep most illnesses at bay. To insure healthy digestion, I add pro-biotics and digestive enzymes to my critters' food. And, my dogs are healthy as ... well, dogs! Hope this helps answer your question, which incidentally is not really that uncommon. Many people have wondered the same. Best to you and your furry friends, too!

I asked my vet this question because my husband once had the flu and I didn't want my dog to be near him. He said that a dog's immune system was different to humans and there was no chance of it getting the flu from my husband. If your dog is acting like it has the flu then you need to take it to the vet as it could have parvo virus which starts with flu like symptons.

O.K I don't think they can catch a human flu.But dogs can develop the signs of a flu.I got another one for you.My husbands mother was diagnosed with diabetes.About a month later her dog was diagnosed with diabetes.O.K.this is whewre it gets weird.My friends mom has hepatitis and now her dog has it too.I think this is a coincedence.Do not give your dog any non furry meds.When my dog was hit by a car I asked the vet what I could give to relieve the pain.There is only one kind of aspirin.Sorry I can't remember what kind but you can ask your vet.

NO dogs or cats can not catch flu from humans, i have never known a dog to get flu and i've had dogs all my life. Cats can catch cat flu (not from humans) this in cats can be quiet deadly so a yearly vaccination for you cats against cat flu is advised. Dogs can get minor chest infections and a few sniffles. Normally a vet will prescribe a low antibiotic medicine. (i worked as a vet assistant for 2 and a half years)

i am not sure about this. but you got me thinking huh. i have terrier pup and he has colds right now. i also have a cold just today. i don't know where i got it. i know my pup had colds before me. perhaps he infected me or maybe i infected him, because colds start 3 days earlier before they show symptoms. . but i am open to the possibility that we can actually spread the viral diseases to our dogs.

Ya i do feel the dogs can catch the virus and the virus can in very rare cases cause flu.Most of the time they 'll just carry.I have never came across such incident either untill now.That means it has the possibilty of catching the virus but a very faint chance of catching flu.

Actually as strange as it sounds the answer is yes . Animals can get stuff from us , such as the flu and they can give it back to us also . The difference is that usually for them it will go away without antibiotics but in some cases they can get sick enough and require this alos , and it is a lot more expensive for their medications then it would be for ours . You can always tell if a dog is feeling well by touching it's nose as it should be wet , if it is dry then he may not feel well or may be tired . You will be able to tell by how your pet is eating and if they have the normal energy that they usually have , if they don't then chances are they are not feeling well and then you just have to keep an eye on them . Little dogs are more prone to getting ill then bigger dogs .

it may be possible that a dog can get flu from humans,i think it depends upon the environment and the type of breed of ur dog.

well, i think that`s quite impossible, since the flu of humans is quite weak with animals. I don`t think that it is really possible for any animal to catch flu from humans, directly. Hence i regard it as impossible by any means..

AWA i never knew that dogs too can get the flu from human, anyway i thought it wont be possible anyway from today i have to take a note of that also.

yes and other colds as well, dogs can pick them up from people, they may not react the same way but it is possible.

yeah i do belive the dog can get the flu i mean we probly ill not realise as dogs just deal with it dont they i mean when they get sick they tend to eat grass so i guess if they was to get the flu the ould just eat grass it acts as a medison i belive or somthing like that

No, your dogs can not get the flu from you. Human flu is a strand that effects humans. However, there IS a canine flu. And it only effects dogs. Dogs and humans have different baterica and white blood cells. So, what is harmful for us, may not be harmful for ours dogs. Here is a good website to help. :) Hope this helps put you at ease my friend! http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_canine_influenza.html

We also have some furry friends at home, and they can the most lovable and afectionate kind, more than some humans can ever be. I don't think they can contact those viruses that occasionally trouble us though (just goes to confirm the majority of the responses before me, oh well). But like some of our viruses, there are those that could also be fatal to our furry friends. Two of our dogs are a testament to that. They contacted a virus (i'm not really sure about the name) that also happened to be rampant at that time. It was too late to save them when figured out what was making them sick.

I am almost 100% certain that human flu can not be passed on to humans. Unless the virus mutates, and I have not heard of that happening. Just keep your dogs healthy with good food, exercise & vaccinations and they will be fine.

The answer is NO! Just like you CANT get what your pet has, your pet CANT get what you have! But if you have other pets they CAN give stuff to each other. We had and still have two cats. But when we had my sisters cat alive and my cat (still alive) who were sisters they were living together. Sometimes you'd see one get a cold and the other get it too. My dog rarely gets sick like this but she gets over it quick and I dont think she passed it on to the cats So yeah NO they cant give you stuff and NO you cant give them anything either.

yes , dogs can cause flu to humans. certain types of microorganisms can cause this type of flu. the microorganisms are wuchereria branchofti."

No,it is impossible.i never hear and see dog get the flu