With the winter season upon us, there’s always a cold going around. Most of us find ourselves sneezing and feeling a little under the weather, which may bring you to ask: ‘can dogs catch the human cold?’
We’ll answer your question in this blog and provide some useful tips to keep your four-legged friend happy and healthy during the colder months.
Can dogs catch the human cold?
No, dogs can’t catch the human cold from you and vice versa. That doesn’t mean your dog can’t ever suffer from cold-like symptoms, like a cough or runny nose, but this will be from different infections, such as kennel cough, not the human cold.
Kennel cough is a contagious respiratory disease in dogs that can cause them to get:
- A high-pitched cough – in most dogs this is the only symptom. It can sound like they are hacking/like something is stuck in their throat.
Some dogs may also have:
- A runny or blocked nose
- Weepy eyes
- A high temperature
- Tiredness
How to treat kennel cough
We recommend calling your vet for advice if you think your dog has kennel cough.
Like when humans get a cold, dogs will most likely improve on their own within a few weeks. If symptoms last longer and your four-legged friend needs treatment, then your vet may prescribe anti-inflammatories to bring down their temperature and reduce airway inflammation.
If your pup is feeling under the weather, we recommend providing them with a quiet, warm and comfy place where they can rest and recover. They should also be kept away from other dogs and public spaces until they are no longer coughing and for 2-3 weeks afterwards to reduce the risk of spreading the illness.
Can kennel cough be prevented?
You can reduce the risk of your dog getting kennel cough by giving them a regular vaccine that lasts 12 months. It won’t guarantee that your furry friend won’t get infected, but it’ll reduce their chances of catching kennel cough and reduce the severity of their symptoms if they do catch it.
Consider taking out dog insurance before your pet gets sick or injured. This will give you peace of mind that you have financial support if they ever become unwell.