Vets say they've been getting several calls from people worried that their pets have swine flu; say it's advisable to keep them at home
With the H1N1 virus in the air, pet owners are a worried lot. With over 90 swine flu cases in Mumbai, vets have advised that pets be kept under house arrest until the number of cases are under control.
"There are possibilities that warm-blooded animals might get affected by the virus.
Pet lovers are panicking even if the animals have a minor cold," said Yuvraj Kaginkar manager of the Bombay Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals (BSPCA) Hospital.
Kaginkar, who has been flooded with many enquiries from pet owners, added, "Pet owners should avoid taking them to public parks, as they are likely to lick the surfaces. Owners should also make sure that pets do not mingle with stray dogs."
Save our pets
One of the panicked pet lovers is Nilima Rane, wife of Industry Minister Narayan Rane. "Her pug was little obese and panting.
But she was worried that the dog may have symptoms of swine flu," said a BSPCA source.
But her son Nitish denied she was worried saying, "Our pug apparently has a skin problem for which we regularly visit the animal hospital."
Nitish revealed that since the number of swine flu cases has gone high in Mumbai, they are taking better care of their dog.
"Earlier we used to take our dog for an evening walk every day, but since the virus has spread in the city, we've stopped that," he said.
Ranjana Eshwar, from Chembur and an owner of a basset hound, too feared that her dog had swine flu.
"My dog has high fever and I presumed he has swine flu. But the doctor told me it was tick fever, which is something I have never heard of," said Ranjana.
Tamiflu for dogs?
Dr Makarand Chavan, who owns Dogs & Cats Veterinary Clinic at Shivaji Park, has even received enquiries of Tamiflu tablets for dogs.
"Pet owners are not only enquiring about the precautions they need to take for their pets, but are also enquiring whether their pets can be given Tamiflu tablets." A vet from Dogs Clinic, Juhu, agreed with Dr Chavan.
According to Dr Deepa Katyal, a vet from Chembur, pig fever among dogs is on rise.
"We get at least two cases of tick fever every day, but the owners believe it's swine flu, as the symptoms are same. Many pets are also getting ill because of the bad weather," she said.
Pets at Low Risk
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has announced that the swine flu outbreak appears to present a low risk of infecting cats and dogs.
It says, "To date, the new H1N1 virus has affected only humans, and it is unknown whether the virus will impact other animals." Advertisement
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