YorkieTalk.com Forums - Yorkshire Terrier Community - View Single Post - Do Dogs catch human illnesses and vice versa? Myth or fact?

Mweasel · 02-21-2009, 08:19 AM

Hello everyone. I have heard from many sources including vets that animals can not catch a human illness. Is this true? Everyone seems to think so but after owning multiple dogs I seem to think that they can. I have been sick with a cold or flu only to have my dog get the "exact same thing". Is that just a fluke or do the virus' mutate and turn into a doggie disease? Also can we catch a dogs disease? I believe we can. After reading up on kennel cough I found out that it was once thought that it wouldn't effect humans but recent studies have shown otherwise and it can hurt humans, especially the young, elderly or people with immune problems.

So what do you all think. Can dogs catch our illnesses? I believe they can. Mine seem to. Either that or I have the worse luck ever, Lol. Anyway, I'd love to read everyone's responses. Thank you.

02-21-2009, 08:19 AM	#1
Mweasel Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Teague, Tx. Posts: 24	Do Dogs catch human illnesses and vice versa? Myth or fact? Hello everyone. I have heard from many sources including vets that animals can not catch a human illness. Is this true? Everyone seems to think so but after owning multiple dogs I seem to think that they can. I have been sick with a cold or flu only to have my dog get the "exact same thing". Is that just a fluke or do the virus' mutate and turn into a doggie disease? Also can we catch a dogs disease? I believe we can. After reading up on kennel cough I found out that it was once thought that it wouldn't effect humans but recent studies have shown otherwise and it can hurt humans, especially the young, elderly or people with immune problems. So what do you all think. Can dogs catch our illnesses? I believe they can. Mine seem to. Either that or I have the worse luck ever, Lol. Anyway, I'd love to read everyone's responses. Thank you.