First known case of H1N1 influenza virus identified in a New York dog


By Julia Szabo

A 13-year-old neutered male mixed-breed in Bedford Hills, New York, is the first dog to be diagnosed with H1N1 virus infection. He's believed to have contracted the flu strain from his owner, who tested positive for the virus.

The dog's symptoms included lethargy, a dry cough, loss of appetite, and breathing difficulty. After being admitted on Sunday as an emergency patient to an animal hospital in nearby Katonah, the dog - whose name has not been disclosed - underwent an IDEXX test for the virus; the results came back positive. After 48 hours of treatment, he's now back at home, where he's recovering nicely.

If you have flu-like symptoms, take common-sense precautions to avoid transmitting the virus to your best friend: avoid kissing your dog; wash your hands and/or use a hand sanitizer before touching or feeding Spot or filling his water bowl; and do your best not to sneeze or cough on or near the dog.

If Spot does succumb, take him to the vet without delay. Once safely back at home, help him recover by following doctor's orders and ensuring he gets plenty of rest; tuck him in to a comfortable dog bed, ideally one with a washable, bacteria-resistant cover, and give him a warm, soft blanket to nest with. (Feeding him servings of chicken soup can't hurt either.)

Your attentive company is Spot's best medicine, and happily, there's no need to isolate a dog with H1N1 from humans; according to the American Veterinary Association, there is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted from pets to people. However, if there are other dogs in the home, separating them is a good idea.

 

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