Caring for your pet is a full-time job and one of the biggest concerns pet owners have is whether their furry family member can become sick from them. While it might seem far-fetched to think that your dog can catch a cold from you, the truth is that they can. It is important to understand the risks and also what you can do to protect yourself and your pet from any illnesses or diseases. In this blog post, we will explore the question of “Can my dog catch a cold from me?” and provide helpful information on how to keep your pet healthy and safe. We will look at the science behind this question, how to identify the symptoms of a cold in your pet, and steps you can take to prevent your dog from contracting a cold from you.
How to treat a dog cold or flu
Here are some home remedies you can try to speed up the recovery of a sick dog:
Dogs might not be able to smell the food and enjoy it due to the typical congested nose that comes with a cold. A good idea is to warm it. In this manner, the dog food will smell better and be easier for the pet to eat.
Increase the air’s humidity to make it easier for your dog to breathe, especially where they sleep.
Dogs with colds must maintain their fluid intake in order to recover. Therefore, be sure to check their water bowl and ensure they are getting enough liquids. Dogs’ chicken soups are a practical choice for helping your dog replenish their fluid levels.
Like with people, some pet colds can be treated at home, while others require a trip to the veterinarian. Keep plenty of water on hand for your pets, wipe away any discharge to keep them comfortable, allow them as much time as possible to rest, and give them warm, humid air if they appear congested (you can let your pet into the bathroom while you shower or place them in a room with a humidifier). Isolate sick pets from healthy ones if you can, as colds can be incredibly contagious.
Staying away from other sick animals and staying up to date with vaccinations are the best ways to prevent colds in your cats and dogs. Many of the vaccines we provide at Animal Clinic of Woodruff can guard against diseases of the upper respiratory tract in animals.
Cold symptoms are the same for both dogs and cats as they are for people. Both people may have nasal discharge, “wet” or labored breathing due to congestion, sneezing (especially wet sneezing), watery eyes, and lethargy (taking more naps and appearing lethargic). The cold symptoms will likely last 5-10 days.
Therefore, when we refer to an illness in a dog or cat as having the same symptoms as a cold in a human, we are using the same generic term (a “cold”), but it actually refers to various actual viruses. These viruses commonly affect dogs and include Bordetella (also known as kennel cough), canine respiratory coronavirus, canine adenovirus type 2, canine parainfluenza virus, and others. The virus that causes symptoms similar to a human cold in cats is typically herpesvirus or calicivirus.
Once again, colds, sniffles, and even the flu are in full swing in schools and workplaces. Everyone seems to be carrying tissues and staying in bed for a few days. Wintertime colds are so common in humans that it’s natural to wonder if and how such viruses can spread to our pets. Can dogs and cats catch a cold?.
Can a Dog Get a Cold from a Human?
In humans, colds begin to manifest after a person comes into contact with another person who is infected with a virus and notices symptoms like sneezing, stuffy nose, or sore throat. In addition to sneezing, having a sore throat, or a stuffy nose, other signs include having watery eyes or having too much mucus in the nose and throat. So, can a dog get a cold from you?.
Heres some great news: If youre sick and your pup wants to give you a smooch and cuddle to raise your spirits, you dont have to turn him away. Some infections, viruses, or even bacteria are species-specific, which is why you dont need to worry about sharing a common cold. A human cold can only affect humans. It cannot be transmitted to animals, says PetMD.
Can a dog get a cold from another dog? Unfortunately, the answer to that is yes. While you may not be able to pass your cold to your pet, that doesnt mean another dogs sneezing cant get your pup sick. In fact, many of your dogs symptoms will mimic a humans. According to PetMD, “While there are differences in the types of viruses that infect humans versus dogs, the symptoms are basically the same: sneezing, coughing, runny or stuffy nose, watery eyes.” There are many types of viruses that dogs can spread to each other. Lets take a look at one of the most common dog colds:
A highly contagious respiratory disease, kennel cough is often contracted when dogs are boarded or spend time in a place with numerous dogs, such as a dog show or training class. The worst part is your dog doesnt even need to come into direct contact with an infected dog. The virus can live on items, such as on water bowls or on favorite toys the dog may have left some saliva. According to Vetstreet, “A blaring, hacking cough like a goose honk is the most common sign [of kennel cough]. Affected dogs will often retch and gag, as if trying to dislodge something from their throats.” Dogs that come in contact with kennel cough will usually show symptoms within four to ten days. Treatment includes anything from watching and waiting to a prescription of antibiotics.
FAQ
Can I transmit my cold to my dog?
It’s nearly impossible to transmit your cold to your dog. Note: Cats are much more likely to catch your cold if you have one in your home. You might want to keep your cat at a safe distance the next time you get sick, just as you would another person.
Can I get my dog sick if I’m sick?
There are some illnesses you might be able to spread to your dog, making them sick. These include things like salmonellosis, MRSA, and ringworm. According to research, dogs can occasionally contract mumps, SARS-CoV-2, and human flu viruses. However, despite having these infections, they frequently don’t seem to get sick.
How can I tell if my dog has a cold?
Cold symptoms are the same for both dogs and cats as they are for people. Both people may have nasal discharge, “wet” or labored breathing due to congestion, sneezing (especially wet sneezing), watery eyes, and lethargy (taking more naps and appearing lethargic). The cold symptoms will likely last 5-10 days.
Can my dog catch Covid from me?
Through close contact, the COVID-19 virus can spread from people to animals. The virus that causes COVID-19 has infected pets worldwide, including cats and dogs, usually following close contact with COVID-19 patients. The risk of pets spreading COVID-19 to people is low.