Can Dogs Get Colds? What You Need To Know
Just like people, dogs can catch what’s commonly called a “dog cold.” However, it’s not the same as the human common cold we’re familiar with.
Although the clinical signs are very similar—like sneezing, coughing, and nasal discharge—the viruses and bacteria responsible for respiratory illness in dogs are different from those that cause colds in humans. In veterinary medicine, this condition is more accurately described as an upper respiratory infection.
Ways Dogs Contract an Upper Respiratory Infection
Dogs can develop upper respiratory infections through exposure to specific viruses and bacteria—most commonly Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine influenza viruses. Two primary conditions fall under this umbrella: kennel cough and canine influenza.
Kennel Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis)
What is it?
Kennel cough is the most prevalent upper respiratory disease in dogs. It’s highly contagious and typically caused by the parainfluenza virus, Bordetella bronchiseptica, or mycoplasma bacteria.
What are the symptoms?
The most common signs include:
- A dry, hacking cough—often described by pet parents as a “honking” sound or like something is stuck in the throat
- Watery nasal discharge
- Discharge from the eyes
Most affected dogs remain otherwise bright and active—eating, drinking, and playing normally. Less commonly, dogs may show lethargy, loss of appetite, respiratory distress, or fever. If your dog displays any of these more serious signs, contact your veterinarian right away.
What is the treatment?
There is no specific antiviral treatment for kennel cough—it must run its course, which can take one to three weeks. Mild cases often resolve without intervention. For more severe cases, supportive care—including fluids, supplemental nutrition, or antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections like pneumonia—may be recommended.
Canine Influenza (Dog Flu)
What is it?
Canine influenza is a contagious respiratory disease caused by two known strains: H3N8 and H3N2 (the latter emerged during the 2015 Chicago outbreak). Most cases are mild, and dogs typically recover within one to two weeks—but some infections can progress to pneumonia or other complications.
What are the symptoms?
Watch for these signs:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Coughing
- Runny nose
What is the treatment?
Like human flu, there’s no direct antiviral treatment for canine influenza. Recovery depends on time and supportive care. Mild cases usually need only rest and monitoring. Severe cases may require veterinary support such as IV fluids, nutritional assistance, or antibiotics if a secondary infection develops.
How Can I Prevent My Dog From Getting Sick?
Both canine influenza and kennel cough spread easily through direct contact, shared bowls or toys, or even via human hands after touching an infected dog.
Here are practical steps you can take:
- Wash your hands thoroughly and change clothes before interacting with your dog if you’ve been near a sick dog.
- Regularly clean and disinfect food and water bowls, toys, and bedding.
- Stay informed about local outbreaks—and avoid high-risk areas (like dog parks, boarding facilities, grooming salons, or shelters) during active transmission periods.
- Before boarding, ask the facility staff:
- Whether they’ve experienced recent outbreaks of infectious disease
- What vaccination requirements they enforce—ideally, they’ll require up-to-date Bordetella and canine influenza vaccines
If your dog does become ill:
- Keep them isolated from other dogs for at least four weeks—even if they seem recovered sooner, they may still shed the virus and infect others.
How Can I Help Maintain My Dog’s Physical Well-Being?
Supporting your dog’s immune system and overall health starts with good nutrition—and sometimes, targeted supplementation.
FurPetVo offers trusted multivitamin options formulated specifically for dogs:
- FurPetVo Canine Plus Multivitamin Everyday Health Chews deliver a balanced blend of amino acids, fish oil omegas, and B vitamins to fill daily nutritional gaps often missing in commercial diets.
- FurPetVo Multi-Vitamin Soft Chews support mental alertness, eye and heart health, digestion, joint mobility, and bone strength. These chews include natural ocean kelp—a source of antioxidants shown to help maintain immune resilience and reduce susceptibility to contagious illnesses.
If you suspect your dog has an upper respiratory infection, don’t wait—reach out to your veterinarian promptly. They’re your best partner in keeping your pet comfortable, healthy, and thriving. For more guidance on preventive care and wellness support, visit furpetvo.com.
