Can dogs get colds? Yes, dogs can get colds, though not the exact same viruses that make humans sick. If your dog is sneezing, coughing, or has a runny nose, you may be wondering whether they caught something and what you can do about it. This guide covers everything Erie, Pennsylvania pet owners need to know about colds in dogs, from symptoms to when to call Glenwood Pet Hospital.

Do Dogs Get Colds?

Dogs can absolutely get colds. Dog colds are upper respiratory infections caused by viruses and bacteria that affect canines specifically, not the same pathogens that give people the sniffles. That means you can’t catch a cold from your dog, and your dog can’t catch your cold. However, a dog cold can spread easily between dogs, especially in group settings like dog parks, kennels, and shelters.

What Causes a Cold in Dogs?

Several different pathogens can cause cold-like symptoms in dogs. The most common include canine parainfluenza virus, canine adenovirus type 2, and Bordetella bronchiseptica, which is the same bacteria responsible for kennel cough. Mycoplasma and canine respiratory coronavirus are also known contributors to respiratory illness in dogs. In many cases, more than one organism is involved at once.

Can Dogs Get Colds From Humans?

No. Human cold viruses are species-specific, meaning they’re adapted to infect human cells. They cannot survive and replicate in a dog’s body the way they do in ours. So if you’re under the weather, your dog is not at risk of catching your cold, though they’ll still be happy to comfort you on the couch.

Symptoms of a Cold in Dogs

Dog cold symptoms look a lot like what you’d expect in a person with a mild cold.

The most common signs that a dog has a cold include:

• Runny nose with clear or cloudy nasal discharge
• Sneezing or reverse sneezing
• Mild coughing
• Watery or slightly discharge-filled eyes
• Mild fatigue or reduced energy
• Reduced appetite

How Long Do Dog Colds Last?

A mild dog cold typically runs its course in five to ten days, similar to a cold in a person. Most healthy adult dogs recover without complications. Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with underlying health conditions may have a harder time recovering and are at greater risk of developing secondary complications such as pneumonia.

Is My Dog’s Cold Something More Serious?

Dog cold symptoms can overlap with those of more serious respiratory conditions.

Dog Cold vs. Kennel Cough

Kennel cough, also known as infectious tracheobronchitis, is a common and highly contagious respiratory illness in dogs. Unlike a typical cold, kennel cough is characterized by a distinctive honking or hacking cough that can be quite forceful. Dogs with kennel cough may appear otherwise fine but cough persistently, especially after exercise or excitement. Both kennel cough and dog colds are caused by similar pathogens and often coexist.

Dog Cold vs. Canine Influenza

Canine influenza (also called dog flu) can cause symptoms similar to a cold but tends to be more severe. Dogs with canine influenza often have a high fever, heavy nasal discharge, and deep coughing. Unlike a regular dog cold, canine influenza spreads rapidly and can lead to serious complications. If your dog’s symptoms are severe or not improving, canine influenza should be ruled out.

Dog Cold vs. Distemper

Canine distemper is a serious viral disease that can begin with symptoms similar to a cold such as runny nose, eye discharge, coughing. However, distemper progresses to include neurological symptoms and is life-threatening in unvaccinated dogs. This is one of the many reasons staying current on vaccinations is so important. Our team at Glenwood Pet Hospital can confirm your dog’s vaccination status and recommend updates if needed.

When Should You Take Your Dog to the Vet for a Cold?

A mild cold with minor symptoms in an otherwise healthy adult dog can often be monitored at home. However, there are several situations where you should contact Glenwood Pet Hospital in Erie, PA without delay.

Call or visit the vet if your dog has a cold and is showing any of these signs:

• Symptoms lasting more than 10 days without improvement
• Thick yellow or green nasal discharge
• Coughing that is persistent, severe, or producing mucus
• High fever, trembling, or significant lethargy
• Difficulty breathing or labored breathing
• Refusal to eat or drink for more than 24 hours
• The dog is very young, elderly, or has a known health condition

How Veterinarians Diagnose and Treat a Cold in Dogs

When you bring your dog in for suspected cold symptoms, your veterinarian at Glenwood Pet Hospital will perform a physical examination and ask about your dog’s history, recent exposures, and vaccination status. In some cases, additional testing such as a nasal swab, chest X-rays, or blood work may be recommended to rule out a more serious illness.

Treatment Options for Dog Colds

Treatment for a dog cold depends on the cause and severity. Mild viral infections often resolve with supportive care: rest, hydration, and close monitoring. If a bacterial infection is involved, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics. Antiviral medications and anti-inflammatory drugs may also be used in some cases. Your vet will create a treatment plan tailored to your dog’s specific needs.

Can You Prevent Dog Colds?

Vaccination is one of the best defenses against the pathogens that cause cold-like illness in dogs. The bordetella vaccine protects against kennel cough, and the combination DHPP vaccine covers several of the viruses that can cause respiratory illness. Talk to your veterinarian at Glenwood Pet Hospital about which vaccines are right for your dog based on their lifestyle and risk factors. Limiting exposure to sick dogs and maintaining good hygiene in shared spaces also helps reduce the risk.

Protecting Your Dog’s Respiratory Health Year-Round

Whether your dog has the sniffles or something more serious, our team at Glenwood Pet Hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania is here to help. Don’t guess when it comes to your dog’s health. If your pup has had cold symptoms for more than a few days, or if anything about their condition concerns you, call (814) 864-3019 or book an appointment online. We’ll help you figure out what’s going on and get your dog back to feeling their best.