do dogs get the flu?

[barbtries]

my little chihuahua is listless and feels warm. no appetite. very unlike him, i'm worried. thanks for any advice, assistance.

[undeterred]

1. You could get a thermometer and take his temperature.

How's his appetite?

[barbtries]

2. it's gone

this happened so suddenly. no appetite, no energy. dry nose. i'm worried, and there has been no event or exposure that explains it as far as i know.

[lukasahero]

3. I've never seen a dog "get the flu" but

they do get viruses and colds etc. My Lab had pneumonia several times. Given the symptoms you describe and the size of your dog, I'd call the vet in the morning. How old is he?

Things to check/watch:

The gums - are they nice and pink?
Bathroom patterns - still able to go? More than usual? Less? What's the consistency and color?
Drinking water? More or less than usual?

If you can get to a pharmacy, you could use a digital thermometer to take his temp. I think anything over 102 is not normal. That could tell you whether or not you should wait until morning to call the vet or call an emergency clinic now.

I hope your baby feels better soon and that what's bothering him is nothing serious.

[barbtries]

4. thank you

he's finally eating a little now. no irregularities in anything, but he feels warm and is lethargic. i did the little gum test, blood flow good.

i'm thinking it was a passing thing, but will take him to the vet tomorrow if he's not all better. it worries me to see him so listless, but at least he ate something.

thank you so much for responding. i also went on a "pet answer" page and communicated with a vet. she really didn't have much to say either because his symptoms are so generalized. we'll wait and see, i think he's going to be fine.

[lukasahero]

5. They do get "bugs"

and half the time that's what it gets left to: 'oh well, guess he had a bug'... It's never comfortable though when you know your dog so well and see the behaviors change. It would be so much easier if they could talk. :)

[stpalmer]

6. Ferrets do!

I took my ferret to the vet and got the diagnosis. He was put on 3 different meds to ease the symptoms. If ferrets can get it, why can't other carnivores?

[AZBlue]

7. Any updates?

I hope he's ok!!