With the common cold being so widespread in humans, you may be wondering if dogs with a runny nose might have a cold too. You may even be worried about passing cold germs to your beloved dog when you’re feeling under the weather.
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.
Does your furry friend seem a bit off lately? Maybe they’re sneezing more than usual or just don’t have their normal energy. Just like us humans dogs can come down with respiratory illnesses that look a lot like what we call “colds.” But how do you know if your dog has a cold? And what should you do about it?
As a dog owner myself, I’ve been through the worry of watching my pup sniffle and sneeze, wondering if I should rush to the vet or just let them rest. In this article I’ll share everything you need to know about identifying cold symptoms in dogs, when to be concerned and how to help your four-legged friend feel better.
Can Dogs Actually Get Colds?
Here’s something interesting – dogs can’t actually catch the same cold viruses that affect humans. When we talk about a “dog cold,” we’re actually referring to something veterinarians call Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC).
According to Dr. Jo Myers, a veterinarian at Vetster, CIRDC describes a range of respiratory infections in dogs that show symptoms similar to human colds. These illnesses are typically spread through close contact between dogs, like sharing water bowls or toys.
The viruses and bacteria that cause these cold-like symptoms in dogs include:
- Canine respiratory coronavirus
- Canine adenovirus type 2
- Canine parainfluenza virus
- Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough)
Common Cold Symptoms in Dogs
So how do you know if your dog has caught one of these bugs? Here are the signs to watch for:
- Sneezing (especially wet sneezes)
- Coughing (may be wet and hacking or dry and honking)
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Watery, red or irritated eyes
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Shallow or wet breathing
- Mild fever
- Shivering
My neighbor’s Golden Retriever had a cold last winter, and the first thing they noticed was the constant sneezing, followed by what they described as a “sad, tired look” in his eyes. Within a couple days, he developed a cough that lingered for about a week.
When to Worry: Is It Just a Cold or Something More Serious?
Most dog colds aren’t serious and will clear up on their own within a week or two, just like human colds. However, there are some situations where you should definitely consult with your vet:
- Your dog is a puppy or senior
- Your dog has a flat face (brachycephalic breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs)
- Your dog has chronic health issues
- Symptoms persist for more than a week
- Symptoms worsen rather than improve
- Your dog stops eating or drinking
- Your dog has difficulty breathing
- Your dog seems to be in pain
Remember that cold-like symptoms can sometimes indicate more serious conditions. Dogs can develop complications like pneumonia, or the symptoms might actually be from conditions like:
- Canine influenza (dog flu)
- Kennel cough
- Distemper (which can be fatal)
- Allergies
- Heart disease
How Dogs Catch Colds
Dogs typically catch these respiratory illnesses from other dogs. The most common places for transmission include:
- Kennels and boarding facilities
- Dog parks
- Grooming facilities
- Training classes and daycare
- Shelters
- Playdates with other dogs
- Canine sporting events
I learned this lesson the hard way when my pup came home from doggy daycare with a cough and runny nose. Two days of playtime with other dogs, and he was sneezing all over our house!
Caring for a Dog with a Cold
If your vet confirms that your dog just has a mild case of CIRDC, here are some ways you can help them feel better at home:
Home Remedies for Dog Colds
- Keep them warm and cozy – Make sure your dog has a comfortable place to rest
- Encourage hydration – Keep fresh water available at all times
- Help with congestion – Use a humidifier in the room where your dog rests, or bring them into the bathroom while you shower
- Modify their diet – Try feeding wet food instead of kibble, or warming up their food to make it more appetizing
- Add moisture to meals – Mix in some low-sodium chicken broth or water to their food
- Keep their face clean – Gently wipe away any discharge from their eyes or nose
- Reduce exercise – Let them rest and recover with shorter walks
- Isolate from other pets – To prevent spreading the illness
I’ve found that my dog really appreciates a warmed-up blanket from the dryer when he’s feeling under the weather. It’s like chicken soup for dogs – just brings them comfort!
What NOT to Do
- Don’t give human cold medications unless specifically directed by your vet
- Don’t expose your dog to smoke, strong fragrances, or certain essential oils that could irritate their respiratory system
- Don’t assume antibiotics are needed – many respiratory infections are viral and antibiotics won’t help
- Don’t force exercise if your dog is feeling tired
Preventing Dog Colds
The best way to protect your furry friend from catching a cold is through prevention:
- Keep vaccinations up-to-date – Vaccines for parainfluenza, distemper, and Bordetella can help prevent or reduce the severity of respiratory illnesses
- Consider lifestyle vaccines – If your dog frequents daycare, boarding facilities, or dog parks, ask your vet about additional vaccines like canine influenza
- Practice good hygiene – Regularly clean your dog’s toys, bowls, and bedding
- Minimize exposure to sick dogs – Avoid places with many dogs during outbreaks
- Maintain overall health – A healthy diet and regular exercise strengthen your dog’s immune system
FAQ About Dog Colds
Q: Can I catch a cold from my dog?
A: It’s unlikely. The viruses and bacteria that cause cold-like symptoms in dogs are usually different from those that affect humans. However, some pathogens can cross species, so it’s always good to practice proper hygiene when caring for a sick pet.
Q: How long will my dog’s cold last?
A: Most dog colds last between 5-10 days, similar to human colds. If symptoms persist longer than two weeks, consult your vet.
Q: Will my other pets catch the cold?
A: Yes, respiratory infections can be very contagious between dogs. It’s best to isolate a sick dog from other pets until they recover.
Q: Can I give my dog chicken soup for their cold?
A: While plain chicken broth (with no onions, garlic, or salt) can be soothing and encourage hydration, traditional human chicken soup isn’t recommended for dogs.
Q: Should I cancel my dog’s grooming appointment if they have a cold?
A: Yes, it’s best to reschedule. This prevents spreading the illness to other dogs and allows your pup to rest and recover.
When to See the Vet
While most cold symptoms in dogs resolve on their own, certain situations warrant a trip to the veterinarian:
- Symptoms that persist beyond 7-10 days
- Difficulty breathing or labored breathing
- Severe coughing that causes vomiting
- Refusal to eat or drink for more than 24 hours
- Lethargy that worsens rather than improves
- Green or yellow nasal discharge (may indicate a bacterial infection)
- Pale gums
- High fever
Conclusion
Just like humans, our canine companions can catch respiratory illnesses that make them feel miserable for a few days. The good news is that most dog colds are mild and resolve on their own with a little extra TLC from their humans.
By recognizing the signs of a cold in your dog early and taking appropriate action, you can help your furry friend feel better faster. And remember, when in doubt, it’s always best to check with your veterinarian to ensure your dog gets the care they need.
Has your dog ever had a cold? How did you help them feel better? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Can Dogs Become Sick With the Common Cold?
Dogs can get sick with a runny nose and a cough, which we might think of as a dog cold.
However, its not the same common cold humans get. Just like in humans, upper respiratory issues in dogs arent caused by one particular bug but by many different viruses and bacteria, sometimes working together.
Common human colds are often caused by rhinoviruses. Dogs can develop cold- or flu-like symptoms from viruses and bacteria such as canine adenovirus, canine parainfluenza virus, or Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough). These are just a few of the pathogens that are part of the canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD) complex, similar to the common cold in humans.
Signs of CIRD typically last for one to two weeks, according to Dr. Jane Sykes, an infectious disease expert at the University of California School of Veterinary Medicine and a member of the medical advisory board for The Vets, a mobile veterinary service.
However, in recent months there have been reports of a “mystery” canine respiratory illness with signs in some dogs lasting up to eight weeks.
While it’s possible there is a new bug, Sykes says this also could be caused by more cases of some of the usual causes. It could possibly be multiple kinds of germs working together that increase the severity of symptoms.
Sykes cautions that coughing in dogs can be caused by conditions other than just a mild cold. “If a dog does not get better in a few days or is lethargic and not eating, they should be evaluated by a veterinarian,” she says.
How Common Colds in Dogs Are Diagnosed
Figuring out the exact cause of most canine respiratory diseases can be challenging, just as it is with the common cold in people. The signs and symptoms of CIRD are often nonspecific and may overlap with other illnesses, such as allergies, heart disease, or cancer. Therefore, pet parents and veterinarians can’t diagnose an illness based solely on cold- or flu-like symptoms.
If medical attention is needed, a veterinarian can take samples for identification of the pathogen and perform other diagnostic tests to rule out underlying disease or illness.