If You're Sick Can You Pass Over Your Illness To Your Dog?

A sick pup parent might feel concerned that they could spread the disease to their pups. This is especially true for those who have the stomach flu or other conditions and infections caused by norovirus.

This is because the norovirus is extremely contagious and humans and causes 19-21 million cases of human illness a year.

The bad news is that there is a chance that you can infect your pup with a norovirus if you have contracted one. It is still unclear whether pups can become sick from this virus or if they can, in turn, affect humans if they have the virus, whether they get sick or not. Until we have conclusive findings, it’s important that you do your best to prevent the bug from spreading to your pups when you are infected.

It is a good idea for you to isolate yourself from your pup (and your human family) for three days after symptoms of a stomach flu have died down, like vomiting and diarrhea. When you need to come into contact with your pup to feed them or care for them, make sure to always wash your hands with soap and water before handling them or their food, and after handling waste. The norovirus can also get into raw foods, so wash raw vegetable completely before eating, and be sure no one eats other raw or undercooked foods.

If a surface has been exposed to diarrhea or vomit, then you must disinfect the area with a bleach solution and scrub the surface thoroughly. Textiles such as bedding, clothes, or fabrics should also be washed as soon as possible. It is advisable that you use gloves when you handle these items.

Norovirus is not typically fatal, but in rare cases, has led to death in young children or the elderly. As such, it is important that you do all you can to prevent infection! Do like and share this information with other pup parents!