The answer to this would be a yes and a no. Dogs can get infections that cause cold-like symptoms like sneezing, coughing, congestion and more, but they don’t get colds in the same way that humans do.
Respiratory issues are as common in dogs as they are in humans. So, as a loving dog owner, it becomes important to know the specifics of it and understand respiratory illnesses in dogs in a little detail. (Don’t worry, we won’t add a lot of jargon)
The respiratory system in dogs is typically divided into the upper respiratory tract and the lower respiratory tract. The upper tract includes the nose, nasal passages, sinuses, pharynx, and larynx. It acts as a passage for the air to reach the lungs. The lower tract includes the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and the alveoli in the lungs. Their job is to facilitate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. This is very similar to the respiratory system that we humans have.
Do Dogs Get Colds? The Basics
It is when this exchange fails or the air cannot reach the lungs easily, your dog experiences something which can be categorised as a ‘cold’. It is usually caused due to a disease or a respiratory infection.
Here are the most common respiratory illnesses in dogs – (2)
Kennel Cough
Tracheal Collapse
Rhinitis
Dog flu
Pneumonia
Chronic Bronchitis
Eosinophilic Bronchopneumopathy
Lung tumours
Symptoms of Respiratory Illness in Dogs
The above-mentioned illnesses can result in several symptoms which you may find very similar to human colds as well. These include -
Coughing and sneezing
Runny nose
Watery eyes
Lethargy
Mild fever
Some may even result in symptoms like seizures, vomiting, difficulty breathing, gagging, abnormal lung sounds, dehydration, weight loss, etc.
It is extremely important to keep a close eye on these symptoms as if they are prolonged; the reason could be a severe underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed at the earliest.
Causes of Cold-Like Symptoms in Dogs
The most common pathogens that lead to cold-like symptoms in dogs are canine respiratory coronavirus, canine adenovirus type 2, canine parainfluenza virus, or Bordetella (commonly known as kennel cough).
Now, it’s a good thing that we cannot give most of our infections to our pets, as viruses are usually species-specific. However, there are a lot of pets roaming around in the parks and the roads that can transfer the viruses to your dog. So, the higher the exposure to public parks, kennels, etc., the higher the likelihood of respiratory symptoms. Even cold weather can cause respiratory issues in dogs, especially if they are not used to it.
How to Care for a Dog with Cold Symptoms
If you spot any of the signs mentioned above in your dog, here’s what you need to do – (1)
Rest and Hydration: Keep your dog well-rested and hydrated all the time.
Humidifiers and Warm Environments: Use a humidifier or create a warm environment to help alleviate congestion and coughing in your dog. You can even let your pet into the bathroom while you shower.
Warm food – Warming up your dog’s food a little can make it more fragrant and, hence, more enjoyable for your dog in times of sickness.
Hygiene – Wash your dog’s toys and other belongings to get rid of the germs.
Limit Exposure to Other Dogs: Isolate your dog from other dogs for a few days to avoid exposure to viruses and other pathogens.
When to See a Vet
You may not need a vet visit if you see mild symptoms like a runny nose or lethargy. They should get better in a couple of days if you follow the guidelines we’ve listed above. However, there are some symptoms that you must not take lightly and immediately consult a vet about. These include -
Persistent cough or wheezing
Green or yellow nasal discharge
High fever
Difficulty breathing or refusal to eat for more than 48 hours
Potential Tests and Treatments: It can be challenging for vets to diagnose kennel cough as some dogs do not show any signs. Your vet may prescribe inhaled antibiotics or bronchodilators to help control your dog’s cough and clear up the infection.
Preventing Respiratory Illness in Dogs
Prevention is always better than cure. Here’s how you can prevent cold-related illnesses in your dog - (1)
Vaccinations: Ensure your dog is vaccinated for illnesses like Bordetella, parainfluenza, and canine influenza. It may not ensure 100% protection but can significantly reduce the risk of respiratory infections.
Good Hygiene – Clean their food and water bowls regularly, especially if they share it with other dogs. Change their water at least once a day.
Rest – Dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day on average. Make sure your dog is getting that much sleep.
Nutrition – Ensure a high-quality vet-recommended diet for your dog to maintain and improve their immunity and overall health.
Avoiding Contagious Environments: Have a lookout for potential outbreaks in your areas and avoid high-risk areas during such outbreaks.
Conclusion
In case you skipped the middle part and came down here looking for a simple conclusion – Dogs do get cold but not in the same way as humans do. You need to keep an eye out for symptoms like runny nose, high fever, lack of appetite, lethargy, etc. in your dog. The illnesses in dogs that cause cold-like symptoms can be very severe and even fatal if not treated on time.
The best treatment is prevention. So, make sure your dog is vaccinated, rested, well fed and loved.
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