First Case of Swine Flu in Dogs Reported

The spread of the virulent H1N1 flu strain (a.k.a. swine flu) continues as the virus apparently has made the transition from humans to dogs. The AP is reporting the first case of a canine swine-flu infection coming out of White Plains, N.Y. this week, with the diagnosis confirmed by two separate labs. The unfortunate victim is a 13-year-old mixed-breed dog who currently is recovering in an animal hospital.

The incident has taken experts by surprise. Until now there has been no evidence of H1N1 spreading from humans to dogs, but it appears that the dog contracted the virus from its owner, who had been ill with swine flu. The virus previously has been seen to transition from humans to cats and ferrets.

Be aware of symptoms in your dog such as breathing problems, sneezing, and vomiting. If your dog is exhibiting these symptoms, don't wait to bring it to the vet, but don't panic either; it remains very unlikely that your dog will have been infected with swine flu. Any number of more common illnesses is more likely the culprit.

And of course, "Don't play kissyface with your dog," advises Ann Hohenhaus, spokeswoman for the Animal Medical Center in New York. "You wouldn't with your kids if you were sick, so don't do it with your pet."

Tags: h1n1, swine flu, SwineFlu