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We've all had those days, wrapped in a blanket, nursing a cup of tea, battling the common cold. But what about our furry friends?
As a veterinarian, I see lots of dogs with cold-like symptoms in my practice. It's important to know what symptoms to look for and when to consult a veterinarian if symptoms persist.
Key Takeaways:
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Dogs can come down with upper respiratory illnesses similar to a common cold.
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Most dogs recover at home with comfort measures in place.
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If symptoms do not improve or worsen, medical treatment may be necessary.
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Other health conditions have similar symptoms, so keep a watchful eye.
Can Dogs Get the Common Cold?
The short answer is yes. The canine common cold refers to respiratory symptoms similar to a human cold and caused by various viruses or bacteria. Dogs don’t catch the common cold from humans but have their own set of viruses instead.
Dog Cold Symptoms
Typical symptoms of a cold or respiratory illness in your dog may include:
Cold symptoms typically last between 5 and 10 days, and your dog should show steady signs of improvement. If you are concerned about any of these symptoms or you think your pet’s behavior is off, a pet Sick Visit or telemedicine appointment can ease your fears and help you determine if medical treatment is necessary.
Causes of Colds in Dogs
Colds in dogs are typically caused by viruses and bacteria that affect the respiratory system.
Some common causes of dog colds include:
- Canine Adenovirus: A virus that can lead to respiratory and other infections in dogs.
- Canine Respiratory Coronavirus: Different from the enteric coronavirus, this strain affects the respiratory system.
- Exposure to Infected Dogs: Close contact with sick dogs can lead to the spread of respiratory infections.
- Environmental Factors: Cold and damp conditions can make dogs more susceptible to respiratory issues.
- Weakened Immune System: Dogs with compromised immune systems, such as puppies, elderly dogs, or those with underlying health conditions, are more prone to catching colds.
How to Treat Dog Colds
The treatment for a dog cold is very similar to humans - plenty of rest, water, warmth, and humidity. As most dog cold symptoms are mild, there are lots of remedies you can do at home to keep your pup comfortable.
1. Provide Rest
Make sure your dog gets ample rest when they're under the weather. Just like humans, dogs need downtime to recover from illnesses. A quiet, comfortable space away from household hustle and bustle can make a significant difference.
This rest allows their body to heal and strengthens their immune response against cold-causing pathogens.
2. Keep Them Hydrated
Staying hydrated will help with your dog’s recovery. When dogs are sick, they might not drink as much as they usually do, leading to dehydration.
Regularly check to see that your dog has access to fresh, clean water. If you notice your dog isn't drinking enough, consider offering them ice cubes or wetting their food to increase their fluid intake.
3. Keep Them Warm
Cold environments can exacerbate your dog's symptoms. Ensure your dog is kept warm, especially during colder months. Avoid bathing them as it can lead to chills and worsen their condition.
4. Humidify the Environment
Dry air can irritate the respiratory system, making symptoms like coughing more pronounced. Using a humidifier in the room where your dog rests can provide relief.
If you don't have a humidifier, a simple trick is to let your dog in the bathroom while you take a hot shower. The steam can help ease respiratory discomfort.
5. Limit Exposure to Other Dogs
If your dog is sick, it's a good idea to keep them away from other dogs to prevent the spread of the cold. This is especially important if you frequent dog parks or have multiple dogs at home.
6. Provide a Nutritious Diet
A balanced, nutritious diet can help boost your dog's immune system. Consider offering them easily digestible foods, food with dog-friendly probiotics, or wet food, which can be more appealing during this time.
7. Avoid Irritants
Cigarette smoke, strong fragrances, and other airborne irritants can trigger your dog's respiratory symptoms and make them worse. If someone in the household smokes, it's advisable to do so outside, away from the dog.
Also, consider avoiding strong cleaning agents or air fresheners during this period.
When Should Your Dog Be Seen By a Vet
While many dog colds can resolve on their own with proper care, if your pup’s symptoms persist or worsen, you should check in with your veterinarian to determine the proper course of action.
If your dog displays severe symptoms, like difficulty breathing, refusal to eat or drink, or seems to be in pain, seek veterinary advice immediately or go to your nearest emergency vet clinic.
Should My Pet Be Seen by a Veterinarian?
1. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s appetite?
2. Does your pet have diarrhea or loose stools?
3. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s thirst/water consumption?
4. Is your pet having accidents in the house?
5. Is your pet pacing and unable to settle?
6. Is your pet panting more than usual?
7. Is your pet whining or vocalizing more than usual?
8. Is your pet shaking more than usual?
9. Is your pet hiding or avoiding physical contact more than usual?
10. Is your pet more lethargic and sleeping more than usual?
11. Are you concerned about changes in your pet’s behavior?
12. Is your pet scratching their ears?
13. Is your pet licking their paws more than usual?
14. Does your pet have a rash?
15. Is your pet moving more slowly than usual or having a harder time getting up or down?
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Should My Pet Be Seen by a Veterinarian?
1. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s appetite?
2. Does your pet have diarrhea or loose stools?
3. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s thirst/water consumption?
4. Is your pet having accidents in the house?
5. Is your pet pacing and unable to settle?
6. Is your pet panting more than usual?
7. Is your pet whining or vocalizing more than usual?
8. Is your pet shaking more than usual?
9. Is your pet hiding or avoiding physical contact more than usual?
10. Is your pet more lethargic and sleeping more than usual?
11. Are you concerned about changes in your pet’s behavior?
12. Is your pet scratching their ears?
13. Is your pet licking their paws more than usual?
14. Does your pet have a rash?
15. Is your pet moving more slowly than usual or having a harder time getting up or down?
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How to Prevent Colds in Dogs
Pet parents can take several proactive measures to reduce the risk of their dog catching a cold:
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Regular Vet Checkups: Routine veterinary check-ups can help catch and address potential health issues before they become more severe.
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Vaccinations: Ensure your dog is up-to-date with all recommended vaccinations. Some vaccines can protect against certain respiratory pathogens.
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Proper Shelter: If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, ensure they have a warm, dry shelter, especially during colder months or rainy days.
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A Balanced Diet: A nutritious diet can boost your dog's immune system, making them less susceptible to illnesses.
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Limit Exposure to High-Risk Areas: Places like dog parks, boarding kennels, or grooming salons can be hotspots for the spread of illnesses. If there's a known outbreak of a dog illness in your area, avoid visits until further notice.
Is it a Dog Cold or Something Else?
Symptoms of canine colds are similar to other respiratory and allergic conditions, so if your dog is not improving over the course of a few days or is worsening, then it’s important to consult with a veterinarian.
Other health conditions with similar symptoms include:
- Bordatella: kennel cough is caused by Bordetella Bronchiseptica bacteria or canine parainfluenza virus, which is characterized by a persistent, dry, hacking cough.
- Dog Allergies: a runny nose and sneezing may be caused by a food or environmental allergy.
- Bacterial or parasitic infections: such as heartworms and roundworms may cause cold-like symptoms.
- Fungal infections: can also manifest similar symptoms as a common cold.
Wrapping Up
While dogs have their own unique viruses to contend with, most of the time, most of the time, dog colds will resolve on their own with comfort measures you can take at home.
If you are not seeing steady improvement, or you want reassurance that your dog is recovering as they should be, our BetterVet veterinarians are available to provide guidance during an in-home examination or telemedicine appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs catch colds from humans?
No, dogs cannot catch colds from humans. While both species can experience cold-like symptoms, the viruses that cause these symptoms are different and species-specific.
Do colds in dogs go away on their own?
Yes, most mild colds in dogs resolve on their own with proper care and rest. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it's always a good idea to consult a veterinarian.
What does a dog with a cold sound like?
A dog with a cold might exhibit sneezing, coughing, and nasal congestion, producing sniffling or wheezing sounds. Their breathing might also appear more labored than usual. Trouble breathing is always cause for emergency care.
How long does a dog's cold last?
A dog's cold typically lasts between 5 to 10 days, and you should see signs of improvement each day.
Sources
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Canio Buonavoglia, Vito Martella. Canine respiratory viruses. Veterinary Research, 2007, 38 (2), pp.355-373. ⟨10.1051/vetres:2006058⟩. ⟨hal-00902840⟩
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Sykes JE. Canine Viral Respiratory Infections. Canine and Feline Infectious Diseases. 2014:170–81. doi: 10.1016/B978-1-4377-0795-3.00017-X. Epub 2013 Aug 26. PMCID: PMC7152112.
