Unfortunately and much as I hate to admit it’s getting to be that time of year again. We just got over Spring allergy season just long enough to enjoy a nice Summer only now we are faced with the onset of Fall allergies all the while Winter Flu/Cold season loom over our heads like a thunder cloud ready to burst.  Luckily it seems that every corner drug store and grocery market has a certified doctor just itching to stick us with a needle and give us that all important flu shot.  But what about our pets? Believe it or not pets do experience a form of the flu virus themselves.  According to Kathy Connell of the Foxglove Consulting firm in Olympia, Washington “Several animal species are susceptible to influenza or flu viruses -- birds, ferrets, pigs, marine mammals and horses.”

While flu cases in cats and dogs are rare thus making vaccines not so readily available, there has been an increase in the number of household pets who seem to be catching the virus over the past few years.  Still many vets feel comfortable in saying that since the cases are few and far between, there is relatively little chance that your pet could come down with the flu. In fact experts say that it’s far from an epidemic and are worried that many cases are being over reported due to the public’s fear of the disease. That being said, if you own an exotic pet such as a ferret you may want to take note and pay special attention to the amount of time you spend with them while you are sick. “Ferrets can get a few different respiratory elements from other species. People with flu who might be shedding the influenza virus should wear gloves and face masks when handling ferrets. There is no protective vaccine available for ferrets," says Sarah Sheafor, medical director for SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists in Fairfax.Va.