Can Dogs Catch A Cold: Symptoms, Causes & Care Tips

Home remedies and smart habits ease your dog's sniffles and support a quicker recovery.

By Srija Burman

Created on Aug 29, 2025

Home remedies and smart habits ease your dog's sniffles and support a quicker recovery.

Can Dogs Catch a Cold?

As a pet owner, you may be concerned when your dog starts displaying symptoms reminiscent of a human coldâlike sneezing, coughing, or a runny nose. But is it possible for dogs to catch a cold, and if so, what does it mean for their health and your household?

This article explores the reality behind canine colds, explaining the similarities and differences from human illness, identifying symptoms and possible causes, dispelling myths about transmission, and sharing advice for both prevention and treatment.

What Does ‘Cold’ Mean in Dogs?

When we refer to a ‘cold’ in dogs, we’re describing a set of upper respiratory symptoms that resemble the common cold in humans. However, unlike human coldsâwhich are mostly caused by rhinovirusesâdog colds result from a variety of viruses and sometimes bacteria specific to canines.

There is no single ‘dog cold virus.’ Multiple potential pathogens can contribute to cold-like symptoms.
These illnesses are usually not life-threatening, but they can make dogs quite uncomfortable and occasionally lead to more serious health issues.

Can Dogs Get Colds?

Yes, dogs can get infections that cause cold-like symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and nasal discharge. However, the viruses and bacteria responsible are generally species-specific and differ from those causing the common cold in humans. The agents most often involved include:

Canine adenovirus type 2
Canine parainfluenza virus
Canine respiratory coronavirus
Bordetella bronchiseptica (causes kennel cough)
Canine herpesvirus-1
Mycoplasma species

Each of these can lead to upper respiratory tract infections, commonly referred to as ‘kennel cough’ or canine infectious respiratory disease complex.

Can Dogs Catch Colds from Humansâor Vice Versa?

This is a frequent concern for pet owners, especially during cold and flu season. The viruses that cause colds in humans and dogs are not the same and are generally species-specific. Therefore:

It is highly unlikely for humans to transmit the common cold virus or flu to their dogs, or vice versa.
While humans and dogs live in close proximity and can share some illnesses, colds and most forms of flu are not among them.

However, dogs can transmit infectious respiratory diseases to one anotherâespecially in environments like dog parks, kennels, or grooming salons where many dogs mingle.

Symptoms of Colds in Dogs

Recognizing the early symptoms of a cold can help differentiate between a mild illness and something requiring immediate veterinarian care. Common signs of upper respiratory infections in dogs include:

Sneezing and nasal discharge (clear or slightly cloudy)
Coughing, sometimes persistent or dry
Watery eyes or eye discharge
Congestion
Decreased energy and mild lethargy
Mild loss of appetite
Slight increase in body temperature (rare in mild cases)

It’s important to note that more severe symptoms may point to a different or more serious condition, such as canine influenza, pneumonia, tracheal collapse, or distemper. These may include:

High fever
Severe lethargy or collapse
Loss of appetite lasting more than 24 hours
Labored or rapid breathing
Green or yellow nasal or eye discharge
Vomiting or diarrhea

Comparison of Cold Symptoms in Dogs vs. Humans

Symptom	Dogs	Humans
Sneezing/Coughing	Common	Common
Watery Eyes	Common	Occasional
Runny/Stuffed Nose	Common	Common
Appetite Loss	Somewhat Common	Somewhat Common
Body Aches	Rare	Common
Fatigue	Mild/Moderate	Moderate/Severe
Fever	Possible in severe cases	Common

Causes of Dog Colds

Dog colds are caused by a range of viruses and bacteria that target a dogâs respiratory system. Some of the prominent causes include:

Bacterial Infections: Bordetella bronchiseptica is most infamous for causing kennel cough.
Viral Infections: Canine influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, canine adenovirus, and canine respiratory coronavirus.
Mixed Infections: Many cases involve a combination of viral and bacterial agents.

Environmental risk factors include:

High-density environments such as kennels, shelters, and dog parks
Poor ventilation or hygiene
Stress and poor nutrition lowering immune defenses

How Are Colds in Dogs Diagnosed?

Veterinarians diagnose colds by:

Reviewing your dog’s history and symptoms
Performing a physical exam, checking for fever, nasal or eye discharge, congestion, and breathing sounds
In certain situations, recommending further diagnostics (nasal swabs, blood tests, radiographs) to rule out more severe respiratory illnesses or confirm causative agents if symptoms are severe or don’t resolve promptly

When Should You See a Veterinarian?

While mild colds typically resolve on their own, call your veterinarian if your dog shows any of these signs:

Symptoms worsen after a few days, or new symptoms appear
Your dog has difficulty breathing or rapid respiration
Your pet becomes lethargic, refuses food or water, or has vomiting/diarrhea
You know your dog is immunocompromised, very young, elderly, or has chronic respiratory disease

How Are Canine Colds Treated?

Mild dog colds are managed with supportive care at home. This may include:

Providing plenty of fresh water and encouraging rest in a warm, comfortable, quiet environment
Ensuring your dog continues to eat as normally as possible
Keeping your dog away from other pets to prevent transmission
Using a humidifier or taking your dog into the bathroom during a hot shower to ease breathing

Never give human cold medications to dogs, as these may contain ingredients that are toxic to them.

More severe cases or those caused by specific pathogens (like kennel cough or influenza) may need antibiotics, antivirals, or other medical interventions prescribed by a veterinarian.

Home Care Tips for a Dog with a Cold

Rest is crucial: Limit strenuous activity and keep your pet calm.
Nutrition: Feed your dog appetizing, nutritious foodâeven warm up wet food slightly to make it more enticing.
Hydration: Encourage water intake to help thin mucus secretions.
Comfort: Provide a soft, draft-free, clean place to sleep, away from household traffic and other pets.
Clean environment: Regularly wash bedding, bowls, and toys to minimize exposure to additional pathogens.
Monitor: Watch for any signs of worsening illness.

Preventing Colds in Dogs

Vaccination: Keep your dog’s vaccinations up-to-date, including against Bordetella and canine influenza, if recommended by your vet.
Hygiene: Clean your dog’s bedding, food bowls, and toys often, especially after exposure to other dogs.
Avoiding Exposure: Be cautious about taking your dog to crowded places, especially if there are reports of outbreaks in your area.
Good nutrition and exercise: Support a healthy immune system.
Quarantine sick animals: If a dog in your household gets sick, isolate them from healthy pets until recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dogs and Colds

Can my dog catch a cold from me?

No. Human cold viruses do not infect dogs, so you cannot transmit your cold to your pet, and vice versa.

What should I do if my dog shows cold-like symptoms?

If your dog is otherwise healthy and the symptoms are mild, offer supportive care at home and monitor closely. Contact your veterinarian if the illness lasts more than several days, symptoms become severe, or your dog is very young, old, or has underlying health issues.

How long does a dog cold usually last?

Mild colds in dogs often resolve within 5â10 days. Recovery may be slower in puppies, seniors, or immunocompromised dogs.

Are dog colds contagious to other dogs?

Yes. Many of the viruses and bacteria that cause dog colds are contagious between dogs. Keep sick dogs separated from healthy animals until symptoms resolve and your vet says it’s safe for socialization.

How can I help prevent my dog from getting respiratory infections?

Use recommended vaccines
Practice good hygiene and sanitation
Avoid exposure to sick dogs or crowded environments during outbreaks
Promote overall health with proper diet, exercise, and regular vet visits

Key Takeaways for Dog Owners

Dogs can get cold-like infections, but the agents are different from those that affect humans.
Symptoms include sneezing, coughing, runny nose, mild lethargy, and are often self-limited; however, more serious illnesses can cause similar signs.
Humans and dogs cannot generally transmit colds or flu to one another.
See a vet if your dogâs symptoms are severe, prolonged, or involve trouble breathing, loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Prevention includes vaccination, good hygiene, and avoiding unnecessary exposure to sick animals.

References

Author

Srija Burman

Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in writing and editing ranges across niches, including academics, sports, and human psychology.

Read full bio of Srija Burman