We’ve all experienced the sniffles and sneezes that come with catching a cold. It’s a common occurrence for humans, especially during certain seasons.
Colds are caused by viruses that spread quickly from person to person through the air or by touching contaminated surfaces. But what about our furry friends?
As pet owners, we often wonder if our dogs can suffer from the same ailments we do. This brings us to an important question: Can dogs get colds, too?
It’s a topic that many animal lovers are curious about, and understanding the answer can help us take better care of our canine companions.
In this blog post, we’ll explore whether dogs can catch colds, what it means for them if they do, and how we can help keep our four-legged friends healthy and happy.
What is a “cold” in dogs?
When we talk about “colds” in dogs, we refer to respiratory infections. These illnesses affect a dog’s breathing system, including its nose, throat, and lungs. Just like humans, these infections can make dogs feel under the weather.
They might sneeze, cough, or have a runny nose. However, the germs causing these symptoms in dogs usually differ from those that make humans sick.
Difference between human colds and dog “colds”
It’s important to understand that dogs don’t catch the same cold viruses as humans. When we say a dog has a “cold,” we use that term loosely.
Human colds are caused by specific viruses that don’t typically infect dogs. On the other hand, dogs can get sick with their own set of viruses and bacteria that cause similar symptoms.
These dog illnesses are often more serious than a human cold and may require veterinary care. So, while the symptoms might look similar, the underlying causes and potential severity of a dog’s “cold” can differ significantly from what we experience.
Common causes of cold-like symptoms in dogs
a) Canine influenza
Canine influenza, or dog flu, is a highly contagious viral infection affecting dogs. It’s similar to human flu in many ways. Dogs with this illness may have symptoms like coughing, runny nose, fever, and lack of energy.
The virus has different strains, and it can spread quickly among dogs, especially in places where many dogs gather, like parks or kennels.
b) Kennel cough
Kennel cough is another common cause of cold-like symptoms in dogs. It’s an infection that affects the throat and airways, causing a harsh, honking cough that sounds like a goose.
Dogs don’t have to be in a kennel to catch it despite its name. It can spread wherever dogs meet, like at grooming salons or dog shows. Kennel cough is usually caused by a mix of viruses and bacteria, making it highly contagious among dogs.
c) Other respiratory infections
Dogs can also suffer from other respiratory infections that cause cold-like symptoms. These might include bacterial infections, fungal infections, or even parasites that affect the lungs.
Some examples are pneumonia, an infection in the lungs, or rhinitis, inflammation in the nose. These infections can vary in severity and may require different treatments.
It’s always best to consult a veterinarian if your dog is unwell, as they can determine the specific cause and provide the proper care.
Symptoms of a “cold” in dogs
1) Runny nose
A runny nose is one of the most common signs that your dog might have a cold-like illness. You may notice a clear or cloudy discharge from your dog’s nostrils, similar to how our noses run when we have a cold.
Depending on the cause of the infection, the discharge might be watery or thicker.
2) Coughing
Coughing is another typical symptom of respiratory infections in dogs. Your dog’s cough might sound dry and harsh or be wet and phlegmy.
Some dogs develop a cough that sounds like honking, often associated with kennel cough. If your dog is coughing frequently or has trouble breathing, it’s essential to take them to the vet.
3) Sneezing
Just like humans, dogs with cold-like illnesses often sneeze. You might notice your dog sneezing more than usual, sometimes in fits or bursts.
While occasional sneezing is usual for dogs, frequent sneezing could indicate an infection or irritation in their nasal passages.
4) Watery eyes
Dogs with respiratory infections may develop watery or slightly goopy eyes. This happens because the disease can affect the membranes around the eyes, causing them to produce more tears.
You might notice your dog’s eyes looking red or irritated or see a build-up of discharge in the corners of their eyes.
5) Lethargy
When dogs aren’t feeling well, they often become less active. If your usually energetic pup seems tired, uninterested in play, or sleeping more than usual, it could be a sign that it’s fighting off an infection.
Lethargy is the body’s way of conserving energy to help fight illness, so it’s a common symptom when dogs are under the weather.
Can dogs catch colds from humans?
Most cold viruses are specific to one species. This means the viruses that make humans sick usually don’t affect dogs, and vice versa. These viruses have adapted to work best in their specific host.
For example, human cold viruses are good at infecting human cells but not dog cells. The same applies to dog viruses – they’re good at infecting dogs but not humans.
While it’s not common, there have been rare cases where viruses have spread from humans to dogs. For instance, some flu viruses, like H1N1, occasionally infect dogs.
There have also been a few cases of dogs getting COVID-19 from humans. However, these situations are very unusual.
Even though it’s possible, it’s rare for dogs to catch colds from humans. Dogs are much more likely to get sick from other dogs. Still, if you’re ill, it’s a good idea to be careful around your pets, just like you would be around other people.
How to care for a dog with cold-like symptoms
When to visit the vet?
It’s important to know when your dog’s symptoms require professional help. If your dog has mild symptoms lasting only a day or two, they might not need a vet.
However, you should take your dog to the vet if their symptoms are severe or last more than a few days.
Also, if your dog stops eating or drinking, has trouble breathing, or seems very lethargic, it’s time for a vet visit.
Home remedies and comfort measures
You can do several things at home to help your dog feel better. First, gently wipe your dog’s nose and eyes with a warm, damp cloth.
Then, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, which can help ease breathing. Make sure your dog has a warm, comfortable place to rest. Finally, encourage your dog to eat by offering warm, soft foods with a strong smell.
Importance of rest and hydration
Just like humans, dogs need plenty of rest when they’re sick. Let your dog sleep as much as they want. It’s also crucial to keep your dog hydrated.
Make sure they always have access to fresh water. If your dog isn’t drinking enough, add some low-sodium chicken broth to their water to make it more appealing.
Rest and hydration will help your dog’s body fight off the infection and recover more quickly.
Preventing “colds” in dogs
1. Vaccination
Vaccinations are essential to protect your dog from many illnesses, including some that cause cold-like symptoms. Your vet can recommend a vaccination schedule that’s right for your dog.
Common vaccines include those for kennel cough and canine influenza. These shots can help prevent your dog from getting sick or make the illness less severe if they catch something.
2. Avoiding exposure to sick dogs
One of the best ways to keep your dog healthy is to keep them away from sick dogs. Be cautious when visiting dog parks or kennels. If you know a dog is ill, keep your pet away from them.
During outbreaks of dog illnesses in your area, avoid places where many dogs gather. Also, be careful about letting your dog share toys or water bowls with unfamiliar dogs.
3. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
A healthy dog is better able to fight off illnesses. Feed your dog a balanced diet and make sure it gets enough exercise. Regular check-ups with the vet can catch health problems early. Keep your dog’s living area clean and provide fresh water daily.
Managing your dog’s stress levels can also help keep its immune system strong. Your love and attention can go a long way in keeping your dog happy and healthy!
Conclusion
While dogs don’t catch the same colds humans do, they can experience similar symptoms from various infections. These might include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and general discomfort.
It’s important to remember that different viruses or bacteria usually cause these symptoms in dogs compared to those affecting humans.
What we might think of as a “dog cold” could be conditions like kennel cough, canine influenza, or other respiratory infections.
Taking good care of your dog’s health is crucial. This includes regular check-ups with the vet, keeping up with vaccinations, and being attentive to changes in your dog’s behavior or health.
When your dog does show signs of illness, it’s essential to monitor them closely and seek veterinary care if symptoms persist or worsen.
You can help ensure your furry friend stays happy and healthy for years by staying vigilant and providing proper care.
Remember, your dog relies on you for its well-being. With the proper knowledge and care, you can help protect it from illnesses and provide comfort when it’s not feeling its best.
Always consult your veterinarian if you have concerns about your dog’s health.