“The viruses that cause common colds have, over time, become specifically adapted to living in people — not dogs,” explains Dr. Long. “This means that the common cold can’t be passed between you and your dog.”
The viruses that cause ordinary colds are all quite species-specific. Although dogs cannot catch human colds (or vice versa), they do have their own version known as kennel cough or canine infectious tracheobronchitis. The influenza virus is much more adaptable though. The ability to cross the species barrier has been demonstrated for the flu, pig, horse, dog, and bird. And bacterial diseases are even more contagious. Dogs and cats can both contract tuberculosis from people, for instance.
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Zoonotic diseases, which can spread from animals to humans, are more frequently reported in the media. It makes sense that many of us are concerned about contracting diseases from our pets, especially with reports of swine flu and bird flu on the rise. But we don’t need to be concerned about canine colds.
Signs of A Cold in Dogs and Cats
Common cold symptoms in pets include:
These symptoms might indicate a cold, but they could also indicate a more serious condition. Contact your veterinarian if any of your pets exhibit these signs. While a minor cold is probably nothing to worry about, it’s important to rule out any other underlying conditions that might be present.
It’s also important to note that, even though your pets may recover without issue, URIs are typically highly contagious. It’s best to keep your pet at home if they exhibit any symptoms of illness to prevent spreading the disease to other animals.
Does My Dog Have a Common Cold?
Keep an eye out for these symptoms to see if your dog has a cold:
A cold is referred to medically as an upper respiratory tract infection. Numerous different types of bacteria and viruses can infect dogs, including:
It’s important to visit your veterinarian if your dog displays symptoms of illness, particularly if they are not eating. They will examine the dog and take a history to determine the diagnosis. In some cases, a swab may also be required to detect a particularly troublesome bug. Click on the links above for additional information on each condition.
FAQ
Can dogs pass human colds?
The straightforward response to this is “yes,” but it is incredibly uncommon. You might believe you contracted a cold from your cat or dog if you and the animal are both ill at the same time, or vice versa. Some symptoms are certainly similar.
Can I catch a virus from my dog?
Dogs transmit several viral and bacterial diseases to humans. Zoonotic diseases can be spread to people through contaminated saliva, aerosols, urine, feces, and direct contact with dogs.
Can humans get upper respiratory infections from dogs?
There are some zoonotic diseases, such as rabies, ringworm, and tick-borne infections, that can be transmitted from dogs to people. Can You Catch an Upper Respiratory Infection from a Dog? On the other hand, you need not be concerned about catching your dog’s upper respiratory infection.