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Rarely life-threatening but always irritating, the common cold is just a fact of life for humans. But can dogs get colds?
In This Article
Dogs can develop infections that make them sneeze and sniffle, much like people do. However, these symptoms don’t always mean a simple cold. In some cases, they may signal a more serious health issue that requires veterinary care.
What Is a Cold in Dogs?
When people talk about catching a cold, they’re usually referring to a wide range of viruses that produce similar symptoms, such as sneezing, sore throat, runny eyes and nose, and fatigue. In humans, these often include rhinovirus, coronavirus, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, and parainfluenza.
Dogs can also develop cold-like symptoms, but there isn’t one specific virus that gets the label “cold virus.” Instead, multiple viruses can affect a dog’s respiratory system. Some of these cause mild illness, while others are more serious. That’s why it’s important to take your dog’s symptoms seriously rather than assuming it’s just a minor cold.
What Are the Symptoms of Colds in Dogs?
Dogs with cold-like illnesses may show signs that look familiar to human cold symptoms.
Common symptoms include:
While these signs may indicate a mild viral infection, they could also be symptoms of more serious conditions like kennel cough, canine influenza, bronchitis, or even canine distemper.
If your dog shows additional symptoms — such as a change in appetite, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or any other changes in normal behavior — contact your veterinarian promptly. These signs could indicate that your dog could be suffering from a more serious disease that requires medical attention.
Is It a Cold or Kennel Cough?
One of the most commonly confused conditions is kennel cough (also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis), which is a highly infectious respiratory disease in dogs. It gets its name from its most common place of transmission — kennels — and spreads easily in places where groups of dogs gather, such as boarding facilities, dog parks, and daycare environments.
The most distinctive characteristic of kennel cough is the dry, honking cough that dogs develop. Some people equate it to the sound of a honking goose.
Other symptoms of kennel cough include:
Since many of these symptoms can also be found in dogs with colds, it’s always important to consult your veterinarian. Most dogs recover from kennel cough, but puppies and dogs with weakened immune systems may experience more severe complications.
Are There Other Causes of Cold-Like Symptoms?
Respiratory viruses aren’t the only things that cause cold symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, or runny eyes and nose. Other potential causes include:
- Bacterial infections
- Parasitic infections, including heartworms and roundworms
- Fungal infections
- Environmental allergies
In some cases, these conditions can progress to lung damage and possibly pneumonia, if left untreated. Because many illnesses share the same outward symptoms, proper diagnosis is essential.
How Are Dog Colds Treated?
If you suspect your dog has a cold, the first thing you should do is call your veterinarian. Even if your dog’s symptoms seem mild, it’s very important to rule out more serious conditions.
Your veterinarian may perform a physical exam to evaluate your dog’s heart and lungs. They may also suggest additional diagnostic tests including radiographs, fecal analysis, or bloodwork to help identify the underlying cause of your dog’s symptoms.
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause. Mild colds typically resolve on their own, but more serious conditions may require targeted care. For example, treatment for kennel cough may include rest, antibiotics for secondary infections, cough suppressants, and fluids, especially for puppies or dogs with weaker immune systems.
Can Dogs Get Colds From Humans?
The risk of transmitting a cold between humans and dogs is extremely low. The viruses that affect people are usually different from those that affect dogs, and they rarely cross species.
Likewise, you’re unlikely to catch a cold from your dog. However, if your dog is ill, it’s wise to limit their contact with other dogs until they recover to help prevent the spread of illness.
Can You Prevent Your Dog From Getting a Cold?
There is no vaccine for the common “dog cold,” largely because so many different viruses can cause cold-like symptoms. However, vaccines are available for some of the more serious respiratory illnesses that mimic a cold.
Vaccines for conditions such as kennel cough, distemper, and canine influenza can help reduce your dog’s risk. Most veterinarians recommend keeping your dog up to date on core vaccines like distemper, along with additional vaccines based on lifestyle and exposure risk.
As a dog owner, you can also reduce your dog’s chances of illness by staying informed about outbreaks of canine diseases in your community and avoiding crowded dog environments during those times.
Key Takeaways
- Dogs can develop cold-like symptoms, but there is no single virus that causes a “dog cold.”
- Sneezing, coughing, runny noses, and watery eyes may signal either a mild illness or a more serious respiratory disease.
- Kennel cough is a common contagious condition that often causes a distinctive dry, honking cough.
- Many different illnesses, including bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and allergic conditions, can mimic a cold.
- Contact your veterinarian if your dog has worsening symptoms or develops fever, lethargy, appetite loss, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can dogs get the same cold viruses as humans?
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Usually not. The viruses that commonly cause colds in people are different from those that affect dogs, and transmission between species is rare.
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How can I tell if my dog has kennel cough instead of a cold?
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Kennel cough often causes a characteristic dry, honking cough. However, many respiratory illnesses share similar symptoms, so a veterinary evaluation is the best way to determine the cause.
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Do dog colds go away on their own?
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Some mild viral illnesses may resolve with rest and supportive care. However, because more serious diseases can look similar, it’s important to have your dog evaluated by a veterinarian.
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Is there a vaccine for dog colds?
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There is no vaccine for a general “dog cold.” However, vaccines are available for several respiratory diseases that can cause similar symptoms, including kennel cough, canine influenza, and distemper.
This article is intended solely as general guidance, and does not constitute health or other professional advice. Individual situations and applicable laws vary by jurisdiction, and you are encouraged to obtain appropriate advice from qualified professionals in the applicable jurisdictions. We make no representations or warranties concerning any course of action taken by any person following or otherwise using the information offered or provided in this article, including any such information associated with and provided in connection with third-party products, and we will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.