Can Dogs Get HIV/AIDS?

Individuals who have been diagnosed with HIV require immediate medical therapy. The availability of antiretroviral drugs paved the way for better treatment and allowed infected individuals to live longer and enjoy a quality life. However, besides having this form of treatment, it is still a responsibility for an HIV-positive person to prevent the infection from spreading and protecting the people around them from acquiring the condition.

There have been questions lurking around with regards to a dog’s possibility of getting the infection. Are dogs capable of acquiring HIV? Are they at risk of experiencing the same symptoms that humans get?

Can Dogs Get HIV/AIDS?

Well, the answer is a big NO.

HIV is defined as Human Immunodeficiency Virus. From the word human, this infection solely impacts humans only. The virus is only spread through direct contact between a person who has it and who does not have it. Examples of some modes of transmission are unprotected sexual contact, blood transfusion, and irresponsible use of shared needles and syringes that are infected or contaminated.

It is also important to note that when the virus is exposed and secreted outside of the body, it dies and becomes non-infectious. Furthermore, it does not cause harm to dogs as there is no way it can spread and transfer to the animal.

Illnesses that your dog may acquire:

Even if it’s very unlikely for dogs to acquire HIV, they can still suffer and experience different conditions associated with the malfunction of their immune system. These are as follows:

• Unusual weakness and tiredness
• Does not want to exercise
• Loss of appetite
• Recurrent diarrhea
• Recurrent fever
• Coughing
• Colds

The list provided above are symptoms that affect the immune system. However, note that dogs can also be diagnosed with the following:

• Pneumonia
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Series of infections
• Autoimmune disorders
• Flu

Treating your dogs

As mentioned, dogs cannot be diagnosed with HIV but by other diseases linked to the immune system. To provide medical care to your pets, there are treatment options that you can choose, depending on their diagnosis. Some of the options include:

• Steroids
• Antibiotics
• Anti-inflammatory medicines
• IV fluids

In providing medical therapy to dogs, the best action that you can do as a fur parent is to bring them to the vet. Please don’t wait until their condition becomes critical. Having dogs as your pet is a big responsibility, so give the best treatment by going to the veterinarian first and following the necessary medical steps for their immediate recovery.