- Jan 14, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Is your pup looking pitiful? They’re sneezing, their nose is dripping, and they’re acting like they’d rather curl up and nap than play. Can dogs catch colds? The short answer is yes – sort of.
Key points
Dogs don’t catch the human common cold, but they can develop similar symptoms from canine respiratory infections.
Watch for sneezing, coughing, runny nose, watery eyes, and lethargy, and call your vet if symptoms last longer than 7 to 10 days or get worse at any point.
Never give your dog human cold or pain medicine like Tylenol, Advil, or aspirin, as these can cause serious organ damage.
Can dogs catch colds like humans do?
Dogs can develop cold-like symptoms, but they're not catching the same viruses that make us sick. Instead, dogs pick up respiratory infections from canine-specific pathogens.
Veterinarians don’t diagnose a cold for a dog in the same way doctors diagnose the human common cold. Instead, “dog cold” is a catch-all term for mild respiratory infections that cause symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose.
Can dogs catch a cold from humans?
Good news for snuggle time: cross-species transmission of the human common cold to dogs is very unlikely. The viruses responsible for your stuffy nose, such as rhinoviruses, don’t typically infect dogs.
Dogs are much more likely to catch respiratory infections from other dogs. These illnesses spread through coughing, sneezing, close contact, and shared bowls or toys, especially in places like dog parks, boarding facilities, and daycare.
If your dog is coughing or showing other signs of illness, keep them away from other dogs until they’re feeling better. While you don’t need to quarantine yourself from your pup when you’re sick, it’s a good idea to limit your pup’s contact with other dogs if they have a dog cold.
What causes colds in dogs?
When dogs develop cold symptoms, the usual culprits belong to a group called Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC). This isn't one illness; it's an umbrella term for several contagious respiratory infections. Because these infections can look so similar, it often takes a veterinary exam or diagnostic testing to identify the exact cause. However, that’s typically not necessary because many of these infections are mild and share similar symptoms, so treatment is often focused on supportive care while your dog’s immune system does its job.
Common CIRDC pathogens include:
Bordetella bronchiseptica – one of the main causes of kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory illness known for its persistent, hacking cough. The Bordetella vaccine can help protect dogs against this bacterium.
Canine parainfluenza virus – a highly contagious respiratory virus that commonly spreads wherever dogs gather, including daycare, boarding facilities, and dog parks.
Canine adenovirus type 2 – a respiratory virus that can cause coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge. It’s included in the core canine combination vaccine, which also protects against the more serious canine adenovirus type 1.
Canine respiratory coronavirus – a respiratory virus that affects dogs and is different from the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 in people. It can cause coughing and other respiratory symptoms and is generally associated with milder disease.
Dogs can pick up one or multiple infections at once, which helps explain why one pup might have a mild case of the sniffles while another develops a more serious respiratory illness.
How do dogs catch colds?
Dogs are most likely to catch respiratory infections in places where they're around other dogs:
Dog parks and beaches
Boarding facilities and doggy daycare
Grooming salons
Training classes
Shelters and rescue environments
The pathogens spread through coughing, sneezing, nose-to-nose contact, and shared water bowls or toys. Crowded, enclosed spaces carry the highest risk. Even a brief meet-and-greet with an infected dog at the park can be enough.
Some dogs are at higher risk of catching and struggling with respiratory illness. According to Cornell University's Riney Canine Health Center, dogs more vulnerable to complications include:
Unvaccinated puppies
Senior dogs
Immunocompromised dogs
Flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs are also more vulnerable because of their narrow airways. Even mild inflammation or congestion can make it harder for these dogs to breathe comfortably.
Dog cold symptoms to watch for
Wondering if your dog has a cold? The symptoms look a lot like what you'd expect in humans.
Common signs include:
Sneezing
Coughing (dry or wet)
Runny or congested nose
Watery or goopy eyes
Lethargy or low energy
Reduced appetite
Mild fever
A dog's normal body temperature is approximately 99–102.5°F. Anything above that range could signal a fever and may warrant a call to your vet. Warm ears or a dry nose aren’t reliable signs of a fever, so use a rectal thermometer or contact your veterinarian if you’re concerned.
When to call your vet
Most dog colds clear up within a week or so. But you should contact your vet if:
Symptoms don't improve within 7 to 10 days
Symptoms get worse at any point
Your dog develops a persistent cough
They seem unusually tired or weak
When symptoms are more seriousIf your dog shows any of these signs, seek veterinary care right away:
These signs can indicate a more serious infection or a secondary complication. |
How to care for a dog cold at home
Most dogs with mild cold symptoms start feeling better with a little rest, plenty of water, and some extra TLC at home.
Rest and hydration are the foundation of recovery. Let your pup rest and avoid excitement, and keep an eye on how much they're eating and drinking. A well-hydrated dog can fight off infection more effectively.
You can also try these tips:
Let your dog breathe warm, humid air. A humidifier or sitting with them in a steamy bathroom while a hot shower runs may help loosen mucus and ease congestion.
Encourage eating if your dog’s appetite dips. Try warming their usual food or adding a little low-sodium chicken broth to tempt them to eat.
Skip strenuous walks and avoid overexertion. Avoid long hikes, runs, or vigorous play until your dog is back to their usual energy level. Short potty breaks are plenty while they recover.
What NOT to do: Never give your dog human cold medicine. Medications like aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can cause liver damage, kidney damage, and internal bleeding in dogs. Always ask your vet before giving any medication.
How to prevent colds in dogs
You can't put your dog in a bubble, but you can take smart steps to reduce their risk of respiratory infections.
Stay current on vaccines
The Bordetella vaccine and canine influenza vaccine protect against some of the most common CIRDC pathogens. The AVMA recommends keeping these vaccines up to date, especially for dogs who spend time in group settings. If you have a young pup, follow the puppy vaccine schedule your vet recommends.
Be cautious during outbreaks
If you hear about respiratory illness spreading in your area, skip the dog park and boarding facility until things calm down.
Support overall immune health
A healthy dog is generally better equipped to handle an infection. Feed your dog a complete, balanced diet to provide the nutrients their immune system needs to function properly. Keep fresh water available at all times, since dehydration can make it harder for a sick dog to recover.
Regular, age-appropriate exercise supports overall health and helps maintain a healthy weight, but avoid overexertion when your dog is sick. Routine veterinary checkups can also catch underlying conditions that may make respiratory infections harder to fight.
Skip immune-boosting supplements unless your veterinarian recommends them. Most healthy dogs don’t need them, and some supplements can interact with medications or cause side effects.
Dog cold vs. kennel cough: what's the difference?
A dog cold and kennel cough can look similar, but there are a few clues that can help you tell them apart.
Dog cold | Kennel cough | |
Sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, mild cough | Persistent dry, hacking or “honking” cough, sometimes followed by gagging | |
Cough | Mild or occasional | Frequent, loud, and often triggered by excitement, exercise, or pressure on the collar |
Nasal discharge | Common | Less common, though it can occur |
Energy level | May seem a little tired | Many dogs still have normal energy and appetite despite the cough |
How contagious? | Contagious | Very contagious, especially where dogs gather |
Both conditions fall under the CIRDC umbrella, but kennel cough typically involves that distinctive "goose honk" cough and tends to be more contagious.
Frequently asked questions
Can I give my dog cold medicine?
No. Human cold and pain medications – including Tylenol, Advil, and aspirin – are dangerous for dogs and can cause organ damage and should never be given without vet direction. Always consult your vet before giving your dog any medication.
How long does a dog cold last?
Most mild respiratory infections clear up within 1 to 2 weeks with rest and supportive care. If symptoms persist beyond 7 to 10 days or worsen, call your vet.
Can dogs catch colds from other dogs?
Yes. CIRDC pathogens spread easily through direct contact, airborne droplets, and shared items like water bowls. Dogs in group settings like daycares and boarding are at higher risk.
Should I take my dog to the vet for a cold?
For mild symptoms, home care is usually enough. But see your vet if symptoms last longer than 7 to 10 days, get worse, or include warning signs like difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, or colored discharge.
Can puppies catch colds more easily?
Puppies, especially those not fully vaccinated, are at higher risk for respiratory infections and may experience more severe symptoms. Keep your puppy's vaccines on schedule and limit exposure to unfamiliar dogs until they're fully protected.
Is there a dog flu?
Yes. Canine influenza (H3N2 and H3N8 strains) is a contagious respiratory virus in dogs. Symptoms are similar to a cold but can be more severe. A canine influenza vaccine is available.
Helping your pup bounce back
A sick dog is no fun for anyone, especially when your normally playful buddy just wants to nap all day. Give them a little time and space to recover, and soon enough, they’ll be back to normal.
When they’re back to chasing squirrels, stealing socks, and demanding dinner, you might even long for a little bit more snuggle time.
