Dogs cannot catch the human cold virus, but they can get infections that cause cold-like symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, and nasal congestion. These illnesses in dogs are caused by dog-specific viruses and bacteria, often referred to as "canine infectious respiratory disease" or kennel cough, which are different from the human cold virus. Dogs can also get canine flu, which is a respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses specific to dogs. These viruses are contagious among dogs but do not spread to humans.
Key Points
- Dogs cannot catch the same cold viruses as humans, so colds are species-specific.
- Dog colds are caused by various viruses and bacteria like canine adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, and Bordetella bronchiseptica.
- Symptoms in dogs can include sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, and watery eyes, similar to human cold symptoms.
- Canine flu is a specific viral respiratory illness in dogs with flu-like symptoms.
- The illnesses dogs get that resemble colds are contagious among dogs but not to humans.
- Vaccinations can help prevent some of these dog respiratory diseases.
- If symptoms persist or worsen, or if the dog shows signs of lethargy or loss of appetite, it is important to see a veterinarian.
Thus, while dogs can get "colds," these are not the same as human colds and are caused by different infectious agents specific to dogs.
