Moshi & Kibo’s Dog Blog

Last night when we were returning from our walk, we found a duck and her 5 ducklings by the curb in front of our house.  They were all exhausted and had apparently been wandering for hours in the streets near our house.  The nearest lake is about 8 blocks away, so we took a lesson from the banker/duckling episode and led the family back to the lake.   All was well when we got them to the water.

With all the media attention on swine flu, we wanted to see if dogs can get the swine flu.

According the CDC,  dogs  get the “canine influenza virus” - a specific Type A influenza virus  called the  H3N8 influenza virus (not a human influenza virus) and it is  (so far) only spread between dogs.   The current outbreak is a new strain of influenza A - the H1N1 virus - and dogs shouldn’t get it .

In a separate CDC article, the specific types of the the influenza viruses and transmission possibilities are explained:  Influenza A viruses are found in many different animals, including ducks, chickens, pigs, whales, horses and seals.  Influenza B viruses circulate widely only among humans.   

So - can dog’s get the swine flu?

It appears - probably not.  But, any time your pet begins to show any symptoms of illness, it is always best to contact a veternarian and be on the safe side - swine flu or not.   And remember to keep those vaccinations current!

We have decided to leave the Entrecard network - a big thank you and two paws up to all the friends we have made in the last year.  We appreciate your visits, comments and support - we will continue to visit, but no longer will be dropping by.

Thanks and have a good one!

Moshi and Kibo

P. S.  Follow us on Twitter, we always follow back!