Can Dogs Actually Get the Common Cold?

“My dog is coughing, a horrible hacking noise. I think they have something stuck at the back of their throat!” As a vet, it’s a common complaint we hear from dog owners. The sound dogs make when they’re coughing can be terrifying but it is most likely that your dog has a cold, or upper respiratory infection (URI) as it’s called in animals. Just like us, they’ll get common cold symptoms. And just like us it can mean a short period of feeling a bit under the weather.

It’s not nice to see your pet sniffling and coughing away, so here’s some more information about the causes and a few ways you can help your pup feel better during this time.

What causes a cold in dogs?

There are several viruses and bacteria that can cause cold-like symptoms in dogs. The main ones cause a condition called Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease complex (CIRDc). As the name suggests, it’s quite complex! It is better known as ‘Kennel Cough’ or ’Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis’. It is a contagious infection that affects the airways of dogs. Common causes are:

• Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria

• Parainfluenza virus

• Canine Respiratory Coronavirus (different to Covid-19)

• Mycoplasma

These germs can cause an initial infection. Opportunistic bacteria that usually don’t cause a problem then take advantage of the situation and cause a secondary infection on top of the initial infection. It is quite common to have more than one organism diagnosed if tested, so treatment can be varied and is always patient specific. Usually though, a cough in a dog is self limiting and goes away on its own without needing treatment.

Related article

Laryngitis in Dogs: Causes and Treatment

Vet advice on when you should be worried about your dog’s cough

Can my dog catch my cold? 

Luckily, no! The typical viruses that cause human colds can’t be passed on to dogs and vice versa. Even though some germs have similar names they are almost always species specific and can only infect those targeted. So if you’re feeling ill and vegging in front of the telly with a cold, have no fear cuddling up with your canine companion.

However, diseases can be passed from dog to dog. These germs can be spread through airborne particles from coughs and sneezes, direct contact nose to nose, and contaminated objects (bowls, leads and sometimes our skin and clothes). So colds are more likely to spread in places where lots of dogs mingle. This is where Kennel Cough got its name, as it was commonly connected to housing dogs together. This means that the URI will spread to other dogs in your family easily, particularly the young, old or those with lower immunity. It is advised to keep young, unvaccinated puppies away from other dogs to start with, while they build their immunity. While you can’t pass your cold on to your dog, after being in contact with a poorly pet, do remember to wash your hands thoroughly and change before stroking your own four-legged friend so you don’t pass on a cold manually through indirect contact.

What are the symptoms of colds in dogs?

The symptoms we see in dogs when they have a cold are very similar to ours:

• A dry or productive cough – often coughing up foamy mucus.

• Runny nose.

• Watery eyes or more crusty ‘sleep’ by eyes.

• Lethargic or not as excitable as usual.

• Reduced appetite.

• Enlarged lymph nodes under their jaw.

• A high temperature.

Some of these symptoms are so mild that it’s only when our pet is back to normal that we realise they weren’t feeling quite themselves. Sometimes, however, their cough can sound like your cute little puppy has transformed into a roaring T Rex. A canine cough doesn’t sound like a human’s, it is more like a honk or ‘heh’ noise and can sometimes end with a ‘yak’ noise and bring up frothy mucus. When infected, this coughing can be triggered by your dog pulling on the lead or when barking and excited.

Related article

Why Do Dogs Sneeze?

And what can I (or should I) do when my dog keeps sneezing?

What else could look like a cold in dogs?

While a cold is usually self-limiting and clears up on its own, there are other issues that can cause similar symptoms and might require a bit more attention. Secondary infections that develop while your dog’s immune system is already busy can make symptoms worse or lengthen the illness. Typically, infections can last from five days to four weeks, most resolving within two–three weeks. If symptoms continue for longer than this or if they’re worsening rather than improving, it’s best to get advice from your vet to see if there is anything else going on and whether they need any additional treatment.

Other conditions that can look similar are:

• retching or regurgitation

• cough caused by heart conditions

• distemper (now very rare in the UK)

• foreign object lodged

• laryngeal paralysis (vocal cords not opening fully)

Most of these conditions will need further testing from your vet to diagnose, so keep an eye on your pup and if there doesn’t seem to be much improvement then give them a call. However, if you suspect your dog is having trouble breathing at any point then call your vet right away.

How can I treat my dog’s cold?

When they feel under the weather, dogs need rest and some tender loving care. Give them space if needed as, like some of us, they can get grumpy when sick, but there are some things that you can do to help them feel better sooner.

If they have a reduced appetite, one way to tempt them is to warm up their food and soften it with some warm water or gravy. Another way to soothe their sore throat is with a tiny bit of pure honey, if their diet allows. To ease their cough it can be helpful to bring them into the bathroom while the hot shower runs to let them breathe in some of that steam. There are some treatments your vet may prescribe after seeing your pet, such as anti-inflammatory medications or antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections if present.

When should you worry about cold symptoms in dogs?

If you are at all concerned by symptoms your dog is showing it is always best to contact your vet, even if it’s for peace of mind that what they are experiencing is just a cold. Usually there is no need for treatment, however there are a few signs that can indicate something more serious is going on:

• Difficulty breathing. Always call your vet if you think your pet can’t breathe normally, if their breathing sounds different or if they are wheezing.

• Abnormal snot. Clear fluid is normal in dogs but any green or creamy discharge from the nose should be looked at.

• Any blood seen in mucus. ‘Frank’ red blood or darker spots that look like coffee grounds in the mucus they cough up should be investigated.

• If your dog is older or immunosuppressed. Just like people any dog that has an underlying condition or reduced immunity is at a higher risk from infection.

There’s plenty we can do to help our furry friends feel better when a cold hits, but prevention is really the best way forwards. If your dog has a cold, keep them away from other dogs to minimise the spread and wash bowls and any shared beds or leads thoroughly. Thankfully, we also have protection against some of the wider causes of URI through vaccinations (distemper, parainfluenza and Bordetella bronchiseptica) and so even after the important puppy vaccinations it is best to keep up with annual boosters. Just like with human flu vaccinations it doesn’t completely eliminate the possibility of catching it, but it does reduce the risk and also the severity of the infection.