Household pets at risk for flu this season

Oct. 28--Every year, thousands of people get the flu shot to prevent getting the flu themselves. But humans aren't the only ones at risk for the flu -- their furry friends are at risk, too.

Household pets -- including dogs, cats and birds -- can get the same symptoms such as coughing, runny nose, lethargy, eye discharge and reduced appetite, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

There is one main flu strain that pets can get, according to the CDC. Influenza A, which is most commonly contracted by cats, ducks, chickens, pigs, horses and dogs.

Influenza B, which is transmitted human to human, is rare for an animal to contract, the agency says. This means an owner can't pass on the flu to their pet.

Canine influenza -- a part of Influenza A -- is the most common flu strain among most pets and can affect their ability to breathe. Canine flu has existed since the early 21st century after researchers linked its origin to birds and horses.

Cats, however, are more likely to contract avian (bird) flu and upper respiratory infections than the canine flu. Cats can only spread viruses cat-to-cat, according to the CDC.

While both strains of flu are highly contagious, they are not considered to be deadly. Still, Joel Kaye, a veterinarian at MSPCA Angell, recommends paying close attention to animal warning signs of sickness.

"Don't ignore it," Kaye said. "If your [pet] spends a lot of time in parks or day care facilities, you may want to vaccinate them."

Flu symptoms in pets lasts between 10 to 20 days, according to Rob Halpin, a spokesperson for MSPCA-Angell in Boston.

Although Halpin says an outbreak in pet flu is not expected this season, MSPCA-Angell offers an optional flu vaccines for both strains of the flu.

"Consider having your [pet] vaccinated against the flu, but do not mistake vaccination as a surefire preventative," Halpin said. "Like with the human flu vaccine, it is not effective 100 percent of the time."

The flu shots are estimated to be 60 percent effective this season, according to Halpin.

For those not interested in the vaccines, there are other ways to prevent your pet from getting the flu: keep them away from shared kennels, litter boxes, water bowls, collars and communal pet areas.

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