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Why Do Dogs Get Colds? (And How To Help Them Recover)

By Jake Willhoite · · Updated

Why Do Dogs Get Colds
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People catch colds from a range of viruses, most often rhinoviruses. These spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.

What about dogs? Dogs can’t catch the human cold viruses, but they can get infections that cause the same sneezing, coughing and runny nose.

Dogs get "colds" from several different germs, not one cold virus. Respiratory viruses, bacteria such as Bordetella, parasites, fungi and even allergies can cause cold-like signs. Some of these are mild, but others, such as canine distemper, are serious.

Because some causes are serious, call your veterinarian when your dog shows cold symptoms. Here is what to look for and how to help.

What Are The Symptoms Of Colds In Dogs?

Common cold-like signs in dogs include:

  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Runny nose
  • Watery eyes

These signs can come from mild infections or from more serious diseases like kennel cough, canine influenza, bronchitis or canine distemper.

See your vet if your dog also has a fever, low energy, poor appetite, vomiting or diarrhea, or if the symptoms get worse.

What To Do If My Dog Has Cold?

Your vet should guide the treatment, but these steps help a dog feel more comfortable while it recovers.

Use A Humidifier

Moist air can help loosen a stuffy nose. You can run a humidifier near where your dog sleeps.

If you don’t have one, let your dog sit in the bathroom while you run a hot shower. Keep the dog out of the hot water itself.

Clean Your House And Your Dog’s Room

Wash your dog’s food and water bowls, toys and bedding. Give fresh food and water each day.

Make Sure That Your Dog Is Getting Lots Of Rest

Rest helps your dog recover. Skip long walks and hard play until your dog feels better.

Make Sure That Your Dog Is Eating And Drinking Enough Water

Fluids help thin mucus and support recovery. If your dog won’t drink, ask your vet before offering broth.

Many store-bought broths and soups contain onion or garlic, which are toxic to dogs, and a lot of salt. Only use a plain broth your vet approves.

A stuffy nose can dull your dog’s appetite. Warming its usual food for a few seconds, then stirring and checking that it is only lukewarm, can make it smell stronger. Never serve food hot.

Keep Your Sick Dog Away From Other Dogs If You Have Multiple Dogs

Many of these infections spread quickly between dogs. Keep a sick dog away from other dogs until it recovers. Avoid dog parks, daycare and boarding during this time.

Bring Your Dog To The Vet

Mild infections often clear up with rest and care. Still, call your vet early, and go back if your dog isn’t improving or develops other symptoms.

The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that kennel cough can progress to fatal pneumonia in puppies. Puppies, older dogs and dogs with weak immune systems should see a vet right away.

Can You Prevent Your Dog From Getting A Cold?

There is no single vaccine for every cold-like illness. But vaccines are available for several of the main causes.

Vaccines can protect against distemper, parainfluenza, canine adenovirus-2 and Bordetella bronchiseptica, and there is also a canine influenza vaccine. Ask your vet which ones your dog needs.

Can Dogs Get Colds From Humans?

The risk of passing a cold between people and dogs is extremely low. The viruses that give people colds are different from the ones that make dogs sick.

Your other dogs can catch it, though. That is why you should keep a sick dog separated from them.

Final Verdict

Dogs get "colds" from a mix of viruses, bacteria and other causes, not one cold virus. Most mild cases pass with rest and good care.

Some causes are serious, so call your vet when your dog has cold symptoms. Never give your dog human cold medicine unless your vet tells you to.

Source: akc.org

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