Can Dogs Get Colds? Understanding Symptoms, Treatments, and Prevention
Vet-backed tips for soothing winter sniffles and supporting easier breathing in your pup.
Colds are common among humans, especially during chilly months or in places where viruses are easily shared. But what about our canine companions? If you’ve noticed your dog sniffling, sneezing, or coughing, you may wonder: can dogs get colds, and if so, what should you do? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about colds in dogsâincluding causes, symptoms, treatments, prevention tips, and when it’s time to seek veterinary help.
What is a ‘Cold’ in Dogs?
Just like in humans, the term “cold” in dogs usually refers to upper respiratory tract infections. However, a dog’s cold is not caused by the same viruses as a human cold. Instead, various pathogensâusually species-specific viruses and bacteriaâcan cause similar symptoms in dogs, such as sneezing, nasal congestion, watery eyes, and coughing.
- Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRD): This is often called kennel cough and is a frequent cause of cold-like symptoms in dogs.
- Common Pathogens: These include parainfluenza virus, canine adenovirus type-2, Bordetella bronchiseptica, and canine herpesvirus, among others.
While most dog colds are self-limiting and mild, some can progress to more serious illnesses if not monitored and treated properly.
Can Dogs Catch Colds from Humans?
A common concern is whether dogs can catch colds from their human family membersâor vice versa. The good news is that the risk is extremely low. The viruses responsible for human colds are highly species-specific and rarely jump between dogs and people. However, dogs can infect each other through close contact, shared bowls, or in group settings like kennels and dog parks.
- Dogs cannot catch the common cold virus from humans.
- Dogs can transmit canine-specific respiratory viruses to each other.
- It is best to keep an infected dog away from other dogs to prevent spreading illness.
What Causes Colds in Dogs?
Dogs are susceptible to a range of respiratory pathogens that can cause cold-like symptoms. The majority of these are viral, but secondary bacterial infections may occur. Major causes include:
- Canine parainfluenza virus
- Bordetella bronchiseptica
- Canine adenovirus type-2
- Canine respiratory coronavirus
- Canine distemper virus (less common thanks to vaccination)
These pathogens spread through droplets in the air, shared surfaces, or direct nose-to-nose contact. Environments with many dogs, such as boarding kennels, doggie daycares, and shelters, pose a higher risk.
Signs and Symptoms of a Cold in Dogs
Dog cold symptoms can overlap with signs of other illnesses, so careful observation is key. The most common symptoms include:
- Runny or stuffy nose (nasal discharge)
- Watery eyes
- Sneezing and sniffling
- Coughingâmay sound dry, honking, or productive
- Congestion or noisy breathing
- Mild lethargy
- Reduced appetite
- Occasional low fever
What others are reading
Important: Breeds with flat faces (such as Bulldogs and Pugs), puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with compromised immune systems are at higher risk for complications and may develop more severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, refusal to eat, or persistent lethargy.
How Are Canine Colds Diagnosed?
Since cold symptoms mimic those of other diseases (such as allergies, pneumonia, or heart disease), a vetâs expertise is crucial for an accurate diagnosis. Typical steps include:
- Physical examination: Listening to lungs and heart, checking for fever, assessing nasal/throat congestion.
- Diagnostic tests: May include bloodwork, nasal or throat swabs, radiographs (X-rays), fecal analysis, or more specialized tests for infectious pathogens.
In mild cases, extensive testing isnât always needed. However, if your dogâs symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsen, thorough diagnostics will help identify the underlying issue and guide appropriate treatment.
Treatment: What to Do If Your Dog Has a Cold
Most uncomplicated colds in dogs resolve on their own with supportive care at home. However, some situations require prompt veterinary attention, especially for at-risk dogs or if symptoms are worsening. Hereâs how to help your dog feel better:
At-Home Remedies
- Rest: Allow your dog plenty of quiet time to sleep and recover. Limit exercise and avoid strenuous play.
- Steam Therapy: Steam helps loosen mucus and ease congestion. Try running a hot shower and sitting in the bathroom with your dog for 10-15 minutes, or use a cool-mist humidifier near their sleeping area.
- Hydration: Ensure your dog always has access to fresh, clean water. Hydration is crucial for recovery.
- Wipe Discharge: Gently clean your dogâs nose and eyes with a soft, damp cloth to remove mucus and keep them comfortable.
- Boost Immunity: Some pet owners explore holistic options, such as dog-safe herbs rich in vitamin C (always consult your vet before adding supplements or herbs).
Veterinary Treatments
- Medication: In some situations, your vet may prescribe antibiotics (if there is a secondary bacterial infection), cough suppressants, or other medications for specific symptoms.
- Fluids: For more severe cases involving dehydration, intravenous fluids may be administered at the clinic.
- Oxygen therapy or hospitalization: Rarely, for dogs with severe symptoms or underlying health risks.
Never administer human cold medications or over-the-counter drugs to your dog unless prescribed by a veterinarian, as they may be toxic to pets.
How Long Do Dog Colds Last?
Most simple upper respiratory infections in dogs last 5 to 10 days. With proper care, many dogs start to feel better within a few days. If your dogâs symptoms persist longer than a week or worsen, call your veterinarian for a follow-up evaluation.
Preventing Colds in Dogs
While itâs not always possible to prevent every sniffle, these strategies can help keep your dog healthier and minimize the risk of respiratory illness:
- Keep Vaccines Up-to-Date: Vaccinations prevent many serious causes of respiratory disease, including distemper, parainfluenza, canine influenza, and Bordetella (kennel cough).
- Limit Exposure in High-Risk Environments: Avoid boarding, daycare, or dog parks during outbreaks or if your dog is feeling ill.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Regularly wash food/water bowls and bedding. Keep play areas clean.
- Isolate Sick Dogs: If your pet or a nearby dog is showing symptoms, avoid contact until recovery is complete to protect all pets.
- Support Immune Health: Provide a balanced diet, regular exercise, and veterinary checkups.
When to Call the Vet: Warning Signs
While most canine colds are mild, seek veterinary help if your dog exhibits any of the following:
- Symptoms lasting longer than one week
- Labored or noisy breathing, wheezing, or persistent coughing
- Persistent lethargy, collapse, or difficulty standing
- Loss of appetite for more than 24 hours
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- High fever (above 103°F/39.4°C), shivering, or extreme weakness
- Any symptoms in puppies, seniors, or dogs with chronic illnesses
Common Myths About Dog Colds
- “My dog caught a cold from me.”
Human cold viruses rarely infect dogs; symptoms are usually from dog-specific pathogens. - “All coughing and sneezing means a cold.”
Many diseases share similar symptoms. Diagnosis by a vet is always best. - “If one dog is sick, all my dogs will get sick.”
While possible, not all exposures result in transmissionâespecially if dogs are vaccinated and healthy. - “Dogs always need antibiotics for colds.”
Most canine colds are viral and resolve without antibiotics. Overuse can lead to resistance and side effects.
Home Care Do’s and Don’ts
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
|
|
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can my dog catch my cold or flu?
A: No, the viruses that cause colds and the flu in humans are not the same ones that infect dogs. Most canine respiratory illnesses are caused by dog-specific pathogens.
Q: How long should I keep my dog isolated if they have a cold?
A: Isolate your dog from other pets for at least 5 6 7 days after symptoms appear, or as long as recommended by your veterinarian.
Q: Are some breeds more at risk for serious colds?
A: Yes, brachycephalic breeds (such as French Bulldogs and Pugs), puppies, senior dogs, and pets with chronic health problems are at higher risk of complications from respiratory illnesses.
Q: Should I give my dog antibiotics or human cold medicine?
A: Never give your dog human medications or antibiotics without veterinary guidance. Most colds in dogs are viral and do not require antibiotics. Some human drugs can be toxic to pets.
Q: Can dogs get vaccinated against all types of colds?
A: Vaccines are available for several major respiratory pathogens, such as distemper, parainfluenza, and Bordetella. Ask your vet which vaccines are appropriate for your dog’s lifestyle and health status.
Key Takeaways
- Dogs can get colds, but not from humans. Their symptoms are usually caused by dog-specific viruses and bacteria.
- Common cold symptoms include: coughing, sneezing, congested nose, runny eyes, lowered energy, and reduced appetite.
- Most dog colds are mild and resolve with home care, but see a vet if your dog is very young, old, sick, or if symptoms persist or worsen.
- Prevent illness through regular vaccinations, good hygiene, and by avoiding contact with sick pets.
- When in doubt, always consult your veterinarian for safe diagnosis and treatment advice.
References & Further Reading
- American Kennel Club 6 Can Dogs Get Colds?
- PetMD 6 Can Dogs Catch the Common Cold?
- Wag Walking 6 Sick As a Dog: What to Do When Your Pup Has a Cold
- Acacia Pet Clinic 6 Understanding Cold Symptoms in Dogs
References
- https://wagwalking.com/daily/sick-dog-pup-cold
- https://www.rover.com/uk/blog/natural-remedies-soothe-your-dogs-cough-or-cold/
- https://acaciapetclinic.com/understanding-cold-symptoms-in-dogs/
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/can-dogs-get-colds/
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/can-dogs-catch-a-cold
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
