Owner with the Flu

[Kenji24]

OK, so I just got back from the doctor and I have the Flu… Sucks I know. But I am concerned for my 5 month old Basenji, Kenji. Should I be? He sleeps on me quite a bit but not in our bed. With him running around and grabbing everything in his site its impossible for me to sterilize or clean everything I have touched. I dont. Good thing I went to the doctor right away and was given meds.

Should I be worried? should I stay away from my best friend? Can he get it? if so, what is the treatment for him?

[DebraDownSouth]

Dogs can't catch the flu from you.

EDIT: I should have said rarely… and only H1N1 so far as I can find.

[bcraig]

I am also under the impression that dogs and humans cannot exchange cold or flu viruses. I think rabies is one of the few diseases that can be exchanged between our species.

I assumed your biggest concern about having the flu is how your dog is going to get exercise while you are sick. That is usually my biggest problem.

[Kenji24]

Well I didnt know they couldn't get the flu. Thanks for the info. The makes me feel better.

Since I live in an apartment his exercise is a concern all the time, but its I can at least get out once a day with him.

[DebraDownSouth]

@bcraig:

I am also under the impression that dogs and humans cannot exchange cold or flu viruses. I think rabies is one of the few diseases that can be exchanged between our species.

I assumed your biggest concern about having the flu is how your dog is going to get exercise while you are sick. That is usually my biggest problem.

Actually there are more,
http://petdoc.com/story/zoonoses-humans-catching-diseases-cats-and-dogs
http://oregonvma.org/care-health/zoonotic-diseases-dogs (more complete list)

and in rare cases, some flu may be transmitted… it just isn't common. There has been ONE case I found in the US:
http://oregonvma.org/news/h1n1

In fact I read long ago that when a human family keeps getting streph throat, they suggest the dogs be tested as they can get it and keep infecting the humans!

[Kenji24]

Sweet, Thanks. I guess I was looking up basenji specific information and I didnt see any thing in the books I have. I dont get sick much so i shouldn't have to worry. I'm actually feeling better today, not that he cares.