Can dogs catch colds from people?

Cold season is upon us, and it seems like we can catch the sniffles from absolutely nowhere. Whether it’s popping to the shop, taking your dog on their daily walk, or even just chatting with the postie, colds, flu, and coughs are hard to avoid.

But it does raise a question: can our dogs catch colds and, if so, can they catch them from us? Do they catch the same type of cold, or is the infection different?

Here, we answer whether dogs can catch the common cold, where they can catch it from, other flu-like illnesses to be aware of, and what to do if your pup has the sniffles.

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Can dogs catch the common cold?

If we’re talking about the human cold, then no, dogs can’t catch it.​ In humans, our colds are caused by rhinoviruses, influenza viruses, coronaviruses and parainfluenza viruses.

These are often grouped together and referred to as ‘the common cold’ because they cause similar symptoms, like a runny nose and sore throat. These viruses are specific to people however and so they won’t infect your dog. Similar dog viruses do exist, but they are not as commonly seen, or diagnosed.

Usually, if your dog has the sniffles, it’s due to one or more bacteria or viruses causing issues at the same time. We also see other health conditions that cause cold-like symptoms, including allergies and fungal infections - more on this later!

Can a dog get a cold from a person?

No. Dogs can’t catch it because the human common cold is species-specific; it’s adapted to give us coughs and sniffles, not any other animal. If your dog has a cold, then it’s not the same as ours.

Can a human catch a cold from a dog?

No, because of the same reason: most viruses are usually adapted to spread within a specific species alone.. This is the case for a dog’s cold.

​It’s actually very rare to catch a virus from a dog, and, in cases where it does happen, it’s because of poor hygiene, bites, or parasites. You won’t catch something like a dog’s cough because they’re sneezing next to you, for example.​

My other pets: is it a cold contagious to cats or other dogs?

​For cats, no, a cold won’t transfer from a cat to a dog and vice versa because viruses are species-specific. And if you're wondering "Can cats catch colds from people?", the answer is no for the same reasons.

Dogs can catch “colds” from each other, though. Respiratory illnesses can be contagious, but it depends on the type of infection, and what’s causing the cold or flu-like symptoms.

Dogs primarily spread colds and other respiratory infections through:

• Close contact

• Sharing items, like toys and food bowls

This can happen anywhere, like dog parks, shelters, and at home, which is why it’s important to get a proper diagnosis if you’re concerned.

Does your dog have a cold? Symptoms, listed

Symptoms of colds overlap with those seen in other respiratory issues, which is why it is important to get an official diagnosis from a vet. These symptoms can include:

• A cough (particularly if it’s loud or rough-sounding)

• Appetite loss

• Conjunctivitis and watery eyes

• Fever

• Lethargy

• Runny nose

• Shallow breathing

• Sneezing

What people think is a cold: key canine respiratory illnesses

​Just because your dog has some of the above symptoms doesn’t always mean it’s a cold. It can be an illness like:

• Allergies - Sometimes, regular coughing or respiratory trouble can indicate your dog is dealing with allergies.

• A foreign body - Something stuck in the nose, like a grass seed, could cause symptoms like sneezing and discharge from the nose.

• Canine distemper - Vaccinations will prevent this, but some dogs may have canine distemper, which is a life-threatening condition.

• Fungal infections - Serious fungal infections like Aspergillosis could cause discharge from the nose and sneezing.

• Kennel cough - This common respiratory infection shows as a dry, honking cough. Vaccination is available to reduce the risk of kennel cough.

• Nasal tumour - A growth or tumour in a nasal passage could cause breathing issues.

• Other respiratory conditions - Certain dog breeds, like flat-faced breeds, can suffer from respiratory issues like brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS).

Should you walk a dog with a cold?

It depends on how your dog is feeling and what your vet advises. If they’re unwell and don’t seem excited about going for a walk, then don’t feel pressure to walk them. If they’re a little weak but still want to walk, try taking them on a shorter, gentler one to improve their mood. We wouldn’t recommend strenuous exercise, though.

Whatever you choose, keep contact with other dogs to a minimum; you don’t want to end up spreading their illness. You can also try more indoor games and enrichment.

How to treat a dog's cold or flu

​It depends on what’s causing your dog’s cold or flu-like symptoms, and you’ll need to follow a vet’s guidance, but typically, you can try things like:

• Administering any medications prescribed by your vet

• Avoiding smoke, air fresheners and perfumes which could further irritate their airways.

• Giving them plenty of rest.

• Keeping them well-fed.

• Trying to keep them away from other dogs.

Many respiratory illnesses are mild and more serious infections will be covered by their vaccinations.But your vet will be able to give you more advice after an examination.

When to call the vet (crucial warning signs for complications)

We recommend seeing your vet if your dog seems unwell, but especially if their symptoms are severe or if the symptoms last longer than a week or so without improvement.

Generally, worrying symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing

• Discharge from the nose or eyes

• High fever

• Persistent, severe coughing

• Refusing food or water for over 24 hours

• Severe diarrhoea or vomiting

• Severe lethargy

A warning on medications: what not to give your dog

Never give your dog human medication unless it has been specifically prescribed by a vet. Some human medications can be toxic to dogs, including ibuprofen and sugar-free drugs containing the artificial sweetener xylitol.

Delaying proper veterinary advice can allow problems to worsen. The earlier an illness is diagnosed, the more easily it can be treated.

So if you are worried about your dog, don’t hesitate to call your vet.

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