The rush to get vaccinated for the H1N1 virus, also known as ’swine flu’, has begun. As I weigh my options, I thought to myself – could my dog contract the virus?

First of all, let me dispel a myth about H1N1: You cannot get it from eating pork. Humans can’t, dogs can’t, cats can’t. So keep eating hamburgers, bacon, salami, and all of your favorite pork products.

Dogs can catch the flu, but not from humans. Canine flu, or H3N8, originated in horses and spread to dogs. The infection is very new and nearly all dogs are at risk of contracting it – in fact, about 80% of dogs will have a mild form of the disease. Dogs in close quarters (like kennels or shelters) are at the most risk.

The good news is that death is rare, and you can have your dog vaccinated against the flu. Make an appointment to speak to your dog’s vet.

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/canine/ – Key Facts about Canine Influenza