Pam Morrissey photo/Dr. Rebecca Steele, owner of the Lab. West Veterinary Clinic, said animals can catch the H1N1 virus if they are in close contact with someone who has it. As a vet and pet owner of two dogs - Meghan (left) and Candy - and one cat - Andora - she encourages residents to take steps to protect their pets.

A local vet is reminding residents to protect their pets from the swine flu.

Dr. Rebecca Steele, owner and veterinarian of the Lab. West Veterinary Clinic, said though there haven't been any cases of animals contracting the H1N1 virus in Labrador West, it is possible.

"Ferrets can catch it, birds can catch it, and one cat has caught it (elsewhere)," she explained. "It's possible other cats can get it, but there have been no recorded cases of dogs getting it so far and there are no recorded cases of transmission from dogs or cats to people."

Dr. Steele pointed out H1N1 has some components similar to the avian flu and in the same way that strain mutated to affect people, it is possible H1N1 virus could change as well.

She said household pets are at risk if someone in the home has H1N1, and she recommends people with swine flu to be cautious around their animals if they're sick.

"You should isolate yourself from your pet," she stated. "Don't share furniture or a bed, wash your hands before you feed them and when handling them, and stay away from their mouth, eyes, and nose."

Animals, Dr. Steele noted, can get a virus through ingestion, breath, or touch and though it isn't common for people to pass on viruses to their pets, any flu virus can change.

An infected pet, she noted, can have a number of symptoms: sneezing, coughing, fever, lack of energy and appetite and discharge from the eyes and nose. In some cases, she added, there can also be vomiting, diarrhea and respiratory distress.

"If someone is sick with the (H1N1) virus, take steps to protect your pet as well," the vet said. "If your pet is sick, take it to the veterinarian and be sure to let the vet know you had H1N1."

Treatments for animals, Dr. Steele explained, is much the same as it is for people; the vet usually offers supportive therapy, and instructs the owner to keep the pet hydrated and the animal will probably receive antibiotics as well to prevent any secondary bacterial infection.

She said older animals and pets with underlying medical conditions are more at risk, but she stressed viruses can affect healthy animals too.

"Use disinfectant around the home," she said. "It's better to be safe than sorry."