Can Dogs Get Colds? Yes, But They’re Not Human Colds

Sneezing, coughing, walking around with a handful of tissues — we’ve all been there. Cold and flu season is nothing to sneeze at. These common viruses spread through schools and offices, knocking many people down for a day or two.

But what about your dog? Can they also get a cold? And can they catch one from you or vice versa?

Keep reading to discover what symptoms indicate that your dog has a cold or another respiratory illness and what you should do.

Can dogs get colds?

Yes, dogs can get infections that cause cold-like symptoms, such as sneezing or coughing. 

Causes of cold symptoms in dogs

Cold symptoms in dogs are often caused by common upper respiratory tract infections, including:

• Canine respiratory coronavirus

• Canine parainfluenza

• Canine herpesvirus-1

• Canine distemper

• Canine adenovirus type 2

• Canine flu

• Bordetella bronchiseptica

• Mycoplasma species bacteria

• Zooepidemicus 

But cold symptoms can also be caused by illnesses such as:

• Kennel cough

• Allergies

• Bronchitis

Can dogs get colds from humans?

It is nearly impossible for your dog to catch your cold because different viruses and bacteria affect different species. Your dog can get an upper respiratory infection. But it is unlikely to be a virus that causes the human cold.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Runny noses: A cold isn’t the only reason your dog might have a runny nose. Learn about other potential causes of this common symptom.

• Kennel cough: It’s helpful to understand what kennel cough is, especially if your dog frequently spends time with other pups. Check out common kennel cough symptoms. 

• Seasonal allergies: Just like humans, dogs can develop seasonal allergies. Find out what to expect if your dog gets itchy with the change of seasons.

What are the symptoms of a cold in dogs and puppies?

When your dog has a cold, they may have many of the same symptoms humans get. Common cold symptoms in dogs include:

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Open-mouthed breathing

• Coughing

• Sneezing

• Watery eyes

• Pawing at their face

• Snoring

• Less energy

Very young puppies and old dogs are at greater risk of developing respiratory diseases than healthy adult dogs. Make an appointment with the vet if your dog or puppy has cold symptoms along with any of the following:

• Appetite changes

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Fever

How long does a dog cold last?

Depending on the cause, your dog’s cold symptoms may last 1 to 2 weeks. Let your vet know if symptoms persist or get worse.

How to treat a dog with a cold

Like human colds, there is no specific treatment for dog colds. Generally, you can care for your dog at home as they recover from respiratory infections. Do not give your dog over-the-counter medications without talking to your veterinarian.

As your dog waits out a cold or respiratory infection symptoms, any of the following suggestions may help them feel better.

1. Create a recovery space

Create a soothing, comfy area for your pup to recover. Give plenty of extra blankets and pillows and let your pup rest in a quiet spot away from distractions.

2. Increase the humidity

Use steam or a humidifier to help your dog’s breathing. If you don’t have a humidifier, bring your dog into the bathroom and run a hot shower.

3. Hydrate

Set out plenty of fresh water for your dog. Add a little low-sodium chicken broth to some of their water to encourage them to drink extra fluids.

4. Feed your dog’s senses

Just like humans, when dogs have a stuffy nose, they can’t smell as well. This can make them less interested in food.

If you feed your dog wet food, try heating it in the microwave for a few seconds to make it smell more appealing. You can also try adding low-sodium chicken or beef broth to your dog’s food to encourage eating.

5. Encourage rest

Don’t rush your dog back into exercise until they have recovered. Then, slowly ease back into their usual exercise routine.

6. Isolate your dog from healthy pets

It’s unlikely that you will give your cold to your dog or vice versa. But upper respiratory infections can be transmitted from one pet to another. Until your dog feels better, try to separate them from other pets in the house to prevent any infections from spreading.

Can you give your dog cold medicine?

Do not give your dog over the counter medications for their cold (especially not medication intended for human use). Your veterinarian will let you know if your dog’s symptoms require medications, and they’ll tell you which cold medicine is appropriate for your dog. 

If your dog has a secondary bacterial infection, such as pneumonia, your veterinarian may prescribe medications. This might include antibiotics and cough suppressants. Check back with your vet if your pup’s symptoms don’t clear up or if a cough persists beyond 21 days despite antibiotic treatment.

When should you talk to a vet about cold symptoms in your dog or puppy?

Check in with your vet’s office when you notice your dog’s symptoms. The vet knows your dog’s health history and may have insight into which dog viruses are currently spreading. Take your dog to the vet right away if they experience:

• Trouble breathing

• Retching or gagging

• Loss of appetite for more than 2 days

Otherwise, mild cold-like symptoms aren’t usually cause to worry. But the symptoms of canine colds are almost identical to other respiratory illnesses. So you’ll want to rule out other causes of your dog's respiratory symptoms.

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Written by:

Lauren Lee, BA, MA

Lauren Lee, BA, MA, is a writer specializing in animal care and pet health content. Since she was a young child, her passions have been writing and anything to do with animals.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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