H1N1 and your Pet

 By Kathryn Krueger, DVM

 All Creatures would like to provide some information to ease your concerns regarding the H1N1 virus and how it could affect your family pet. 

There is no reason to think that the H1N1 influenza virus will cause a pandemic in our companion animals.  Thousands of pets have had apparent exposure to owners with the influenza virus, with very few reported incidents of illness.

The H1N1 virus was recently isolated from a thirteen year old indoor cat in Iowa on November 2, 2009. The cat’s owners had been ill the previous week with flu-like symptoms. The affected cat has since made a full recovery. This is the first confirmed incident of a feline infection in the United States. 

Veterinarians who treat exotic species have recognized that ferrets can contract seasonal influenza virus from their owners. It would make sense then, that this species is susceptible to the H1N1 virus as well. This fall there have been two cases of confirmed H1N1 virus in ferrets. 

It is important to note that dogs and cats have a much lower risk of infection than ferrets. 

Is it possible for you to contract the virus from your pet?  Experts say that it is possible, but unlikely. There have been no confirmed cases of H1N1 transmission from a pet to an owner. 

If you or your family members become sick with flu-like symptoms, take precautions to keep your pets healthy, just like you would with your family members, friends, and co-workers. 

• Wash your hands after coming in contact with bodily fluids. 
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. 
• Get proper rest.
• Drink plenty of healthy fluids.
• Try to minimize stress in your life. 

Do not kiss your pet or sleep in the same bed with them if you are sick. These rules apply to all mammals (especially ferrets and pigs) and birds.

What should you watch for?  

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Fever
• Malaise (feeling sick)
• Little or no appetite
• Eye and/or nasal discharge
• Fever
• Vomiting

These are all symptoms of influenza. If you observe these signs in your pet, they may be evidence of the influenza virus, but are more likely to indicate other illnesses. 

Please contact your veterinarian if you are concerned or have additional questions.