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?.
A virus that causes specific symptoms, typically runny noses, watery eyes, sneezing, congestion, coughing, and/or scratchy throats, is referred to as having a “cold.” Although there are a few other culprits, the rhinovirus is typically the cause of colds in humans. These viruses can only infect humans; they cannot infect dogs or cats. Similarly, dog and cat viruses cannot be passed to humans.
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.
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.
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.
But go see your veterinarian right away if your cat or dog exhibits symptoms like difficulty breathing, stops eating or drinking, becomes excessively lethargic, or appears to be in pain. You’ll want a vet to perform a thorough examination because the symptoms of a cold can also be very similar to those of more serious illnesses.
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.
Make an appointment with your veterinarian right away to discuss your concerns if you think your pet may be ill or could become ill.
How to Help a Congested Dog
If your dog’s breathing sounds congested, a trip to the veterinarian is necessary. Early diagnosis leads to prompt treatment, which accelerates recovery and increases the likelihood that the recovery will be successful.
Some medical complaints will not go away without treatment. This includes pneumonia, which is usually treated with antibiotics. Only if your dog has a prescription can they be given those antibiotics. More severe cases might even need to spend one or two nights receiving IV antibiotics and fluids at the canine hospital.
If you don’t know what’s causing your dog’s congestion, you can’t choose the best treatment or home remedies for it.
No two cases of dog congestion will be the same, and without diagnostic testing, like blood tests, you won’t know what’s causing your dog’s case. You run the risk of letting a potentially fatal disease, like Parvovirus, spread by not taking your poor dog to the vet.
Common Reasons for Nighttime Congestion in Dogs
Here are some of the most typical causes of dog congestion at night.
Dogs are like humans in that how they sleep affects their breathing. You know how when your partner sleeps on their back, they always seem to snore all night?
You likely have no cause for concern if your dog only appears to make strange noises while sleeping or lying in an unusual position. But if the noises continue, whatever their origin, there might be another reason.
Dogs can develop allergies or catch a cold, just like people, which is more common than we realize. Our puppies experience the same signs of an allergy or illness that we do.
The best course of action is to speak with your veterinarian if you think your dog may be allergic so you can find out what’s causing their reaction.
When a dog has a cold, their nose will be congested due to the stuffiness. In addition, you might experience other symptoms like sneezing or a runny nose. They may even have a fever. Your dog will probably recover on its own if it exhibits symptoms of a cold or an allergy along with loud breathing at night.
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