Question: A friend of mine says that people can catch some strains of flu from their dogs. Is this true?
Dr. Hibberd's answer:
The influenza strains that affect us are generally species specific, but bird flu and swine flu have managed to jump from those animals to humans.
Editor’s Note: 3 Secrets to Never Get Sick Again. Get Super Immunity for Only $4.95. Click here.
Even so, canine influenza is typically not transmissible to us. But we do seem to be able to transmit our flu to dogs on occasion, and cats may also carry influenza viruses without getting noticeably sick.
While it would be wise to keep Fido from being exposed to people with the flu, I would not count your dog as a likely, significant source of influenza virus for you.
© 2026 NewsmaxHealth. All rights reserved.