Swine Flu in Dog: First Case of Dog with H1N1 Confirmed in NY

by Scott Wu | December 22, 2009 at 02:55 pm

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A 13-year-old mixed-breed dog in NY was diagnosed with H1N1 swine flu. This is the first case of a dog with swine flu in the US. The dog was tested because the owner previously had swine flu. The dog is now recovering from the flu. Health experts say people shouldn't worry about pet spreading the swine flu virus because such cases are very rare.

These incidents "are not a reason to be concerned," said Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. "A rare occurrence in other species is not a problem."

In the past, swine flu had been diagnosed in cats, ferrets, pigs, and a cheetah. Most have recovered from the flu.

If you are worried, watch out for flu symptoms similar to humans', which include fever, runny nose, coughing, lack of appetite, and sneezing.