It’s that time of year again – colds, sniffles and even the flu start taking over schools and offices. It seems like almost everyone is carrying tissues and spending a few days in bed. With such a prevalence of colds in humans during winter, it’s easy to wonder if and how such viruses pass to our pets. Can dogs and cats catch a cold?
Are you worried about your little fur baby sneezing and coughing? Maybe you’ve noticed a runny nose or watery eyes, and you’re wondering: can puppies get colds? As a pet parent myself, I’ve been there – panicking over every little sneeze from my pup!
Well, I’ve got some good news and some “eh, kinda complicated” news for ya. Let’s dive into the world of puppy sniffles and find out what’s really going on when your furry friend seems under the weather.
The Truth About Puppy Colds
Here’s the straight-up truth: Puppies can’t catch the common cold like humans do. BUT (and it’s a big but), they can definitely get cold-like symptoms from other illnesses.
Surprised? I was too when I first learned this!
When we humans talk about catching a cold, we’re usually referring to rhinoviruses or other specific viruses that cause all those annoying symptoms we’re familiar with. Dogs, including puppies, simply can’t catch these human cold viruses.
However, your puppy can absolutely get sick with symptoms that look just like a cold. Veterinarians call this Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC).
Common Symptoms of “Puppy Colds”
If your puppy is experiencing any of these symptoms they might have what looks like a cold
- Sneezing (those adorable little achoos!)
- Coughing (either wet and hacking or dry and honking)
- Runny or congested nose
- Watery or red eyes
- Lethargy or tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Shallow or difficult breathing
- Fever
I remember when my puppy Max started sneezing and had gooey eyes – I was convinced he had caught my cold! Turns out, puppies have their own set of bugs that cause these symptoms.
What Actually Causes These Cold-Like Symptoms in Puppies?
So if it’s not the common cold what IS making your puppy sick? Several different germs can cause these symptoms
Viruses
- Canine adenovirus
- Canine parainfluenza virus
- Canine influenza (dog flu)
Bacteria
- Bordetella bronchiseptica (the main culprit behind kennel cough)
These pathogens make up what vets refer to as the canine infectious respiratory disease complex. Basically these are the bugs that give puppies “colds.”
How Do Puppies Catch These “Colds”?
Your puppy is most likely to pick up these bugs through:
- Direct contact with an infected dog – Puppies are social creatures, and they love to sniff and lick other dogs!
- Sharing toys or bowls – Those germs can hang out on surfaces
- Visiting places where infected dogs have been – Especially indoor spaces
The most common “cold catching” hotspots include:
- Doggy daycare centers
- Boarding facilities
- Training classes
- Grooming salons
- Dog parks
- Shelters
- Veterinary offices
This doesn’t mean you should avoid these places altogether – socialization is super important for puppies! Just be smart about it, especially during their first year.
Can Your Puppy Catch YOUR Cold?
Good news! It’s super unlikely that your puppy will catch a cold from you. The viruses and bacteria that make humans sick typically don’t affect dogs, and vice versa.
Dr. David Israel from the Veterinary Emergency Group explains that it’s “improbable that a dog would catch a cold from a human.”
There have been rare reports of dogs testing positive for COVID-19, but this usually leads to very mild or no symptoms in dogs.
When Should You Worry About Your Puppy’s “Cold”?
Most mild respiratory infections in puppies will clear up on their own within 1-2 weeks. However, puppies (especially very young ones) are more vulnerable to complications.
Call your vet right away if:
- Your puppy is very young (under 6 months)
- They’re not eating or drinking
- They seem extremely lethargic
- The symptoms last more than a week
- They’re having trouble breathing
- They have a flat face (like a Bulldog or Pug)
- Symptoms are getting worse, not better
Remember: what looks like a simple cold could sometimes be something more serious, like kennel cough, canine influenza, or even distemper. Puppies are especially vulnerable, so don’t hesitate to contact your vet!
Could It Be Something More Serious?
Sometimes what seems like a simple cold might be something more concerning. Here are some conditions that can cause cold-like symptoms but require different treatment:
| Condition | Key Symptoms | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Kennel Cough | Dry, honking cough; may cough enough to vomit | Usually resolves in 2 weeks; very contagious |
| Canine Influenza | Similar to cold symptoms but may include fever | Can be more serious in puppies |
| Distemper | Eye discharge, fever, neurological signs | Can be fatal; vaccines are very effective |
| Allergies | Recurring symptoms, often with itchy skin | Not contagious; may be seasonal |
| Heart Disease | Persistent symptoms, shortness of breath | Requires specific cardiac medications |
Treatment for Puppy “Colds”
If your puppy has mild cold symptoms, here’s what you can do to help them feel better:
Home Care Tips
- Make sure they get plenty of rest
- Keep them warm and dry
- Ensure they’re drinking enough water
- Consider switching to wet food temporarily (it’s easier to smell, which helps when their nose is stuffy)
- Use a humidifier in the room where they sleep
- Gently clean their eyes if there’s discharge
- Keep them away from other dogs until they’re better
Veterinary Treatment
Your vet might recommend:
- Monitoring at home for mild cases
- Antibiotics if they suspect a bacterial infection
- Cough suppressants for severe coughing
- Supportive care like IV fluids for severe cases
IMPORTANT: Never give your puppy human cold medicines unless specifically directed by your veterinarian! Many human medications are toxic to dogs.
Prevention: Keeping Your Puppy Healthy
The best way to deal with puppy colds is to prevent them in the first place! Here’s how:
Vaccination
Make sure your puppy gets all their core vaccines on schedule. These include:
- Distemper
- Parainfluenza
- Adenovirus
- Rabies
Your vet might also recommend non-core vaccines like:
- Bordetella (kennel cough)
- Canine influenza
Everyday Prevention
- Keep your puppy’s toys and bowls clean
- Don’t let your puppy share toys or bowls with dogs you don’t know
- Change your puppy’s water at least once daily
- Keep new dogs separated from your puppy for two weeks
- Avoid places with lots of dogs during disease outbreaks
- Reduce stress by maintaining a routine
- Feed a high-quality diet
The Mystery Respiratory Illness
You might have heard about a “mystery” respiratory illness affecting dogs in some parts of the country. This appears to be another form of CIRDC where symptoms last unusually long – sometimes up to 8 weeks.
Dr. Jane Sykes, an infectious disease expert, suggests this could be caused by more cases of the usual culprits or possibly multiple germs working together that increase symptom severity.
Most dogs recover, but it’s another reason to be vigilant about your puppy’s respiratory symptoms.
Real-Life Experience with Puppy “Colds”
When my puppy Charlie started coughing last winter, I freaked out! It was his first “cold,” and I worried I’d done something wrong. The vet explained it was likely a mild case of kennel cough he’d picked up at puppy class.
With rest, plenty of water, and some TLC, he was back to his bouncy self in about a week. The vet told me this is pretty typical – most puppies will experience at least one respiratory infection in their first year as their immune systems develop.
Final Thoughts: Should You Worry About Puppy Colds?
While puppies can’t catch human colds, they definitely can get sick with cold-like symptoms that need attention. Most cases are mild and resolve on their own, but puppies are more vulnerable to complications than adult dogs.
The bottom line? Be vigilant but not paranoid. Know the signs that require a vet visit, keep up with vaccinations, and practice good hygiene. Your puppy might get the sniffles occasionally, but with proper care, they’ll bounce back quickly!
Remember, being a new puppy parent means learning as you go. None of us get it perfect right away, and that’s okay! Trust your instincts – if something doesn’t seem right with your puppy, it never hurts to check with your vet.
Disclaimer: This article is meant for informational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. If your puppy is showing signs of illness, please consult with your veterinarian.
What is a Cold?
A “cold” is a general term we use to describe a virus that causes certain symptoms, usually runny noses, watery eyes, sneezing, congestion, coughing and/or scratchy throat. In humans, the cold virus is usually a rhinovirus, though there are a few other culprits. For a long time, it seemed like viruses were species-specific and contamination between humans and pets wasnt possible. New research, however, suggests that certain viruses can spread between people and animals.
When we use the term “cold” to describe a dog or cat illness that has the same symptoms as a human cold, we are using the same generic term (a “cold”), but in many cases, it refers to different actual viruses.
- In dogs, these viruses are usually canine respiratory coronavirus, canine adenovirus type 2, canine parainfluenza virus, or Bordetella (also known as kennel cough).
- In cats, the virus whose symptoms look most like a human cold is usually herpesvirus or calicivirus.
What are the symptoms of a dog or cat cold?
Dogs and cats do catch colds, and their symptoms are just like humans. Both may have discharge from their noses, “wet” or labored breathing from congestion, sneezing (especially wet sneezes), watery eyes and lethargy (napping more, showing low energy). The cold symptoms last between 5 and 10 days on average.
Signs and symptoms of dog flu to look out for
FAQ
Can a dog catch a cold from other dogs?
Likewise, you probably won’t catch a cold from your dog. But other dogs in the household or neighborhood could be at risk of contracting whatever virus is causing your dog’s cold. So play it safe and keep your dog away from other dogs until they are feeling better.
Can a dog get a cold if he is sick?
Don’t wait until your dog is sick. Look at personalized pet insurance plans today and compare top pet insurance providers side-by-side. Like us, dogs can get colds, but dog colds range in severity more, which is why pet parents should be vigilant about any symptoms their dog is experiencing.
Why does my dog get cold so much?
Health conditions like heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes can make dogs more susceptible to the cold, according to the American Veterinary Medicine Association. You should also factor in wind chill and other weather conditions like rain, sleet, or snow that can make the great outdoors even more chilly for dogs.
How do you treat a puppy with a cold?
- Provide Rest. Make sure your dog gets ample rest when they’re under the weather. …
- Keep Them Hydrated. Staying hydrated will help with your dog’s recovery. …
- Keep Them Warm. …
- Humidify the Environment. …
- Limit Exposure to Other Dogs. …
- Provide a Nutritious Diet. …
- Avoid Irritants.
How do I know if my puppy has a cold?
Puppies with a cold may show symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, a runny or stuffy nose with clear or cloudy discharge, watery eyes, and decreased energy. Other signs can include a sore throat, loss of appetite, and general lethargy. If a puppy isn’t drinking or eating, has trouble breathing, or develops colored nasal discharge, these are more serious symptoms that require immediate veterinary care.
Do puppy colds go away on their own?
While dogs can’t get the common cold, there are plenty of germs that cause cold- and flu-like symptoms in dogs. When mild, many canine respiratory diseases will go away on their own, but it’s important for pet parents to know the symptoms and prevent the spread of doggie germs.
Can puppies catch colds from humans?