Dog & Cat Flu Symptoms

You wish that your pet could be healthy all the time, but unfortunately dogs and cats are susceptible to illness. They can even suffer from their own brands of an illness that humans commonly refer to as "the flu." There are two viruses that cause flu symptoms in cats. The first is Feline Herpes Virus (FIV-1), and the second is Feline Calcivirus (FIV). Canine flu, Influenza Type A (H3N8), is responsible for the flu in dogs. Vaccines are available to protect pets against these viruses, though they may not prevent them entirely. Dogs and cats that show flu symptoms should be quarantined from other pets for two weeks.

  1. Swollen, Red or Watery Eyes

    • Dogs should have clear, white eyes. Redness or swelling can be a sign that your dog has the flu. A dog with the flu may also show an increase in clear or milky discharge from the eye. Like dogs, cats usually have white eyes, and any redness, swelling or discharge can be a symptom of feline flu viruses.

    Nasal Discharge

    • Like humans, cats and dogs can get runny noses when they get sick. Clear discharge around the nose is one symptom of the flu in both dogs and cats. It can also be a symptom of other ailments, such as allergies or a cold virus, but if nasal discharge lasts for several days and appears with other flu symptoms, your pet may have a flu virus.

    Cough

    • Flu viruses primarily affect the respiratory system. Because of this, dogs and cats with the flu develop a cough that may not be responsive to treatments. The cough is persistent and, in severe (but rare) cases of the flu, can cause the animal to cough up blood.

    Fever

    • Fever is a common symptom of the flu in dogs and cats. Both dogs and cats with fevers may show signs of lethargy or loss of appetite. A warm, dry nose can be a sign of fever in dogs. The animal's skin or ears may feel warmer to the touch than usual. You can also take your pet's temperature if you suspect it has a fever. Normal body temperature for both cats and dogs should fall between 100 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Loss of Appetite

    • If your dog or cat has the flu, it may show a lot less enthusiasm at meal times. In fact, it may refuse to eat at all. Loss of appetite is a symptom of the flu in both cats and dogs. It is typically a side effect of a fever. Dogs and cats that refuse to eat should be seen by a vet immediately.