Dogs can have diseases and infections. Some symptoms can include fever, rash, mouth ulcers, etc., which are also signs of HIV. That’s why many dog owners think, Can dogs get HIV?
Luckily, dogs can escape the risks of HIV, as this virus can’t affect them. HIV is a fragile retrovirus that can stand in a dog’s mouth and thus can’t affect him. However, you may see signs that are like the symptoms of HIV, which you shouldn’t avoid.
There is more to be concerned about about your dog, even though he isn’t suffering from HIV. Let’s dig into it.
What Is HIV?
HIV is an abbreviation for human immunodeficiency syndrome. It is an infection that affects the immune system of the human body. It means the body’s immune system becomes weaker when HIV is positive. It targets the white blood cells and then spreads throughout the body, like semen, breast milk, blood, vaginal fluid, etc.
Since HIV is a contagious disease, it can spread from person to person. For example, a pregnant mother who is HIV positive is going to give birth to a child who is also going to be HIV positive. Besides, injecting a needle that you have injected into an HIV-positive person can spread the disease. Also, it can spread through sexual contact, pre-chewed foods, and so on.
When HIV turns into an advanced stage, it is known as AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). AIDS usually occurs when HIV is not treated.
Symptoms Of HIV
During HIV, you will see many unwanted health issues. such as mouth ulcers, rash, chills, fever, muscle aches, night sweats, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and so on.
Anyway, the best way to know if you have HIV is to do an HIV test. Many health centres, medical clinics, and hospitals can perform this test. Also, there is a self-test kit available in pharmacies for HIV. So you can do the test on your own.
Can Dogs Get HIV?
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is relevant to human beings, not animals. It can’t spread to dogs, cats, birds, or any other pets. Hence, your dog can’t be infected by HIV even if he is exposed.
HIV is a delicate virus. It needs a hospital body and environment to survive, which is what a human body is. If it was about to get into a dog, it would get into his mouth. A dog’s mouth is not as hospitable for HIV, so it can’t get infected by it.
There is a possibility that a dog might bite an HIV-infected person and then again bite a normal person. This can transfer the virus, but it has not been proven yet. Hence, a dog getting HIV or transferring HIV is most unlikely to happen.
Can Dogs Get HIV From Their Owners?
Dog owners who are suffering from HIV may think that they might transfer the virus to their dogs. But this is not the case. Dogs hardly get this virus from their owners.
An HIV-positive person will feel better by the companionship of his dog. There is nothing to worry about with the virus and the dog because the virus can’t get into the dog. However, the HIV-positive person should be informed about the diseases that dogs can carry.
For instance, cough, fungi, bacteria, and parasites present in a dog’s body can trigger HIV in a person. Whether you have HIV or not, you must keep your dog clean, not only to keep him safe but also yourself.
What Can Affect Dogs’ Immune System?
Anyone with a fever can be susceptible to HIV. However, HIV touches the upper hand, i.e., the immune system. Although your dog won’t have HIV, he may have a disrupted immune system. This can occur from the flu, pneumonia, autoimmune disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, and so on.
You must be certain about your dog’s health when you see some symptoms. Such as sneezing, coughing, fever, poor appetite, diarrhoea, extreme tiredness, etc. These can also depict the signs of an unhealthy immune system.
How To Give Proper Treatment To Dogs?
No animal, including dogs, can be affected by a retrovirus like HIV. If you ever see any suspicious signs of HIV, it could be because of another disease or infection. but don’t consider them inferior. If it is not HIV, it could be other life-threatening diseases that can attack your dog. So make sure you are giving proper treatment to your canine friend frequently.
If your dog is suffering from pneumonia, he needs antibiotic therapy. For the flu, you must give him antitussives and intravenous fluid. Again, rheumatoid arthritis requires anti-inflammatory medications, and for autoimmune diseases, you must give him immunosuppressive medications. It would be best if you examined your dog with a vet now and then.
Frequently Asked Questions: Can Dogs Get HIV?
Why can’t a dog get HIV?
The human immunodeficiency virus cannot infect a dog because its mouth is not a hospitable location for it. Also, HIV is a fragile virus that can’t adapt to a pet.
Can any animal have HIV?
According to reports, some African primates are susceptible to many simian immunodeficiency viruses. Among them, true primates have infected humans with HIV. Also, chimpanzees can have and transfer HIV.
Can dogs transmit hepatitis to humans?
Humans are safe from the risks of the hepatitis virus. Hence, it is unnatural for a dog to transfer hepatitis to a person.
Can dogs get STDs?
STDs can attack both humans and animals. Its symptoms are different for humans and dogs. For example, strains will get different strains from STDs.
Final Thoughts
Anyone having a dog as a pet will query, Can dogs get HIV? Well, the answer is no; fortunately, this virus spared dogs and other animals.
As said before, dogs can have disruptions in their immune systems from other diseases and infections. You may not see the symptoms clearly, as dogs are not expressive like humans. To stay tension-free, take your dog to the vet for frequent checkups. Hopefully, these tips can help your furry friend be healthy and active all the time.
