Can Dogs and Cats Get Colds From Humans?

Zoonotic disease is defined as an illness that can be passed from animals to humans, but not in the reverse. There are a few conditions which are commonly transmitted from pets to their people, such as ringworm andconjunctivitis (otherwise known as pinkeye). But can dogs and cats get colds from humans? With the nasty flu season just a sneeze away, some pet pawrents may be concerned about the possibility of transmitting their germs to their fur-family members.

In what has now been termed as “reverse zoonosis” back in 2009 there were approximately 10 documented cases in which domestic cats were infected with the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu), and an additional four documented cases of cheetahs living in a private zoo who contracted the disease. The cats were thought to have been exposed to the illness by family members, and the cheetahs infected by their zookeeper.

Although there haven’t been huge numbers of reports of cats or dogs catching the common cold from their caretakers, there has been some recent concern about the possibility of humans spreading their illnesses to family pets.

According to ScienceDaily, there is growing evidence that pet pawrents can transmit the flu to their fur-kids. Christiane Loehr, an associate professor at Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine said, “We worry a lot about zoonosis, the transmission of diseases from animals to people. But most people don't realize that humans can also pass diseases to animals, and this raises questions and concerns about mutations, new viral forms and evolving diseases that may potentially be zoonotic. And, of course, there is concern about the health of the animals.”

Scientists are now even recommending that people with influenza-like illnesses have very limited contact with their pets. While there are very few documented cases of reverse zoonosis, veterinarians have been raising some disquieting issues about its plausibility, with scientific evidence remaining elusive.

In an article on Shine from Yahoo!, Dr. Tony Buffington (a professor of clinical sciences at Ohio State University) said that Ohio State University researchers state although there is evidence that it’s possible for pets and their caretakers to share a flu virus, there are no documented reports of an infected cat or dog sharing the same illnesses with a sick owner at this time.

Until these questions are answered and documented cases are published, Dr. Buffington advises that that cat and dog guardians get a flu shot and take the usual preventative precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control, including washing hands, covering one’s nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and keeping doorknobs and handles sanitized to help prevent the spread of the flu and other pathogens which affect people and pets.