H1N1 Spreading to Household Pets, How to Protect Yours

A warning for pet owners after U.S. health officials now confirm H1N1 is moving from humans to household pets.

Ten-week-old Brandi is a little under the weather. It's this constant coughing that has prompted her foster owners to bring her to the vet. They need to get her well so she can be adopted.

"I just want to make sure that it's something we don't have to be too concerned about," said Danielle DeVries.

And according to Dr. Leah Martin, of Simmons Veterinary Hospital in Lake Worth, respritory problems like this should make pet parents take action.

Especially now since for the first time, an indoor cat in Iowa Wednesday tested positive for the H1N1 virus. However it did recover. It's believed the 13-year-old pet caught the illness from several people who were sick in the household.

"It is surprising, because the H1N1 virus and most flu viruses don't jump species to species," said Dr. Martin.

It's also news Brandi's temporary owners weren't expecting.

"I thought it was just human contact and I've been very cautious about that. Using hand sanitizer with my hands everywhere I go. I really didn't think it was transferable," said DeVries.

And it's not just cats. Two ferrets, one in Oregon and the other in Nebraska, also recently tested positive for the H1N1 virus. One of them died.

The ASPCA is encouraging pet owners to make sure their animals are vaccinated. Also to better help protect them, do not let your pet share water bowls, food dishes, or toys with other animals. In addition, make sure your pet is eating, drinking and playing as normal.

"Anything out of the ordinary, especially coughing, sneezing. The standard canine influenza, coughing is the biggest complaint. So coughing and sneezing. and vomiting, diarrhea. Anything like that, you definitely want to call your vet," said Dr. Martin.

A call than can make a big difference in the lives and health of your furry family member.