Can Pets Catch Colds/Flu From Humans?

**lizbud** · 12-04-2003, 07:34 PM

I have alway wondered if people can pass on their
colds to their pets. I know Ferrets can catch human viruses,
but what about cats & dogs? I have had a very bad case of
Flu with coughing & sneezing, etc. for two days now & I'm trying not to interact too much with Smokey or the Kitties & wash my hands a lot. Does anyone know for sure if I could make them sick by being around them? Thanks, Liz.

**Desert Arabian** · 12-04-2003, 07:57 PM

I know with rats, you can't.

**Cookiebaker** · 12-04-2003, 08:18 PM

Oh Liz, you too?? I have been battling this for 6 days now, and I truly feel your pain!! Hope you get better soon!!

I'm sorry I can't answer your question, but I want to know the answer too!! Someone suggested to me that their yearly shots should/would protect them, and I sure hope it does. I would feel horrible if I made them ill!!

Again, feel better soon!!!!

**dethfire** · 12-05-2003, 10:42 PM

there are a few things you can catch from animals like rabies, however most things are not transferable

**binka_nugget** · 12-06-2003, 12:54 AM

My bio teacher told us that flus and such aren't transferable from humans to dogs...*but I don't have any links or anything to support that*

**cali** · 12-06-2003, 10:13 AM

as far as I know uman colds and flues can only transfer to guinea pigs, because they are a lot like people, they are the only animal besodes people that cannot manufacture there own vit.C there is a reason guinea pigs are used in medical sciance, they are so much like people that yes a cold and flue CAN transfer to them.

**green_chameleon_girl** · 12-09-2003, 10:49 AM

I have had the flu since late Thursday night thats why Im home now with my sister (Tweety_Pie).. Im trying to keep away from Rex incase I have germs on my fingers from coughing and sneezing so I get my brother to feed him.

**kohala** · 12-09-2003, 08:35 PM

Poor Grasshopper has a bad case of sneezes and coughs, so I finally took her to the vet today. She's got a virus, but since she's old (17) they gave her antibiotics, too. After being away for two weeks, and her being in a Pet HOtel (very nice place) I figured she just was readjusting, and Dad and I held her while she slept with (and sneezed all over) us last night.

Now I'm wondering if I'll catch HER cold - ?

**tikeyas_mom** · 12-09-2003, 11:50 PM

hamsters CAN catch the common cold from humans.

**wolfsoul** · 12-10-2003, 12:34 AM

Originally posted by cali
as far as I know uman colds and flues can only transfer to guinea pigs, because they are a lot like people, they are the only animal besodes people that cannot manufacture there own vit.C there is a reason guinea pigs are used in medical sciance, they are so much like people that yes a cold and flue CAN transfer to them.

Most apes can't produce vitamin C either.

**CathyBogart** · 12-10-2003, 10:28 AM

I know that ratties can catch Strep throat from humans, but I don't think dogs and cats can catch the flu. I spent a lot of time cuddled up to Star when I was sick last week, and she's nice and healthy!

**wolfsoul** · 12-10-2003, 10:32 AM

Originally posted by WolfChan
I know that ratties can catch Strep throat from humans

Actually that's a common misconception.

The bacteria that rats get is very similar to peoples, it even starts with streptococcus (sp?) but the second word is different, I can't remember what it is.