Can Dogs Get the Flu from Humans?
- hoofandpawvets
- 2 hours ago
- 1 min read
If you’re feeling under the weather, it’s natural to worry about your furry friend catching your illness. The good news?
Dogs don’t get the same flu viruses that humans do—but there are still things to keep in mind.
Can Dogs Catch Human Flu?
Human influenza viruses don’t infect dogs
Dog flu (canine influenza) is a different illness caused by H3N2 or H3N8 strains
Rare cases of cross-species flu exist, but they’re not a risk for typical seasonal flu
How Dogs Get Sick
While they won’t catch your flu, dogs can still develop:
Canine influenza, spread between dogs in kennels, shelters, or parks
Kennel cough, a common contagious respiratory condition
Other viruses and infections unrelated to humans
Protecting Your Pup
Keep dogs away from sick dogs if there’s a local outbreak
Watch for coughing, sneezing, runny nose, or lethargy
Ask your vet if the canine influenza vaccine is right for your dog
We’re here to help you protect your pup from canine illnesses and keep them safe during flu season.
At Hoof and Paw, we’ll guide you on the right steps if your dog shows any signs of respiratory illness.
TL;DR: Dogs can’t catch human flu, but they can get canine influenza and other respiratory infections.