EcoLocalizer

Officials have confirmed a 13-year-old male mixed-breed dog has tested positive for H1N1. This marks the first case of a dog in the United States contracting swine flu.

On December 13th, 2009, the dog was taken to the Katonah Bedford Veterinarian Center in Bedford Hills, N.Y. with a variety of symptoms.   According to reports, the dog was lethargic, was not eating, had a dry cough, fever and had breathing difficulties.  Because the dog’s owner previously tested positive for H1N1, the dog was tested. The test was sent to the lab at Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories for confirmation.  

 X-rays revealed the dog was also suffering from pneumonia. The dog was hospitalized and treated with antibiotics, intravenous fluids, nebulization and coupage and was released after 48 hours.  He is recovering at home.

Pets and Swine Flu

A variety of other animals have also contracted swine flu.  In November, two dogs in Beijing reportedly tested positive with the H1N1. Also in November, United States officials confirmed a 13-year-old cat tested positive for H1N1 after people in the residence exhibited flu-like symptoms. While other pets have contracted the virus, this was the first confirmed case of a feline contracting swine flu in the USA.

Precautionary Measures

Pet owners are encouraged to take the same precautions against spreading swine flu to pets as they do with humans.  Frequent hand washing, minimizing contact with pets while ill and covering the mouth when coughing and sneezing, are all recommended.

For more information on pets and swine flu, please visit the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Dog photo Waugsberg

Tweet This Post

You might also like: