Can Dogs Get Colds?

Your dog is sneezing, has a runny nose, and seems a little more tired than usual. Sound familiar? Yes, dogs can get colds, but a dog’s cold is not the same as the human cold virus, and it cannot be spread to you or your family members. Our team at Comal Pet Hospital & Resort in New Braunfels, TX breaks it all down for you in the blog below.

Can Dogs Get Colds the Same Way Humans Do?

Dogs can get colds, but not the same kind humans do. The viruses that cause the common cold in people such as rhinoviruses, for example, do not infect dogs. Dogs get their own set of respiratory viruses and bacteria that produce very similar symptoms: runny nose, sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, and low energy.

The good news is that a dog cold is not contagious to humans. The bad news is that if you have multiple dogs, a dog cold can absolutely spread from one dog to another. Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with compromised immune systems are at higher risk for developing more severe symptoms.

What Causes Cold-Like Symptoms in Dogs?

Several infections can cause your dog to develop cold-like symptoms. These range from mild to more serious, which is why it’s important to know what you’re dealing with.

Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (Dog Flu and Kennel Cough)

Canine infectious respiratory disease complex (commonly called kennel cough) is one of the most frequent causes of cold-like symptoms in dogs. It involves a combination of pathogens, most commonly Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus. Dogs with kennel cough typically develop a persistent, honking cough that can be alarming to hear. Canine influenza (dog flu) is another respiratory infection that causes symptoms similar to a dog cold: runny nose, fever, lethargy, and coughing.

Dogs who frequent boarding facilities, dog parks, grooming salons, and training classes are most at risk for these highly contagious infections. Comal Pet Hospital & Resort recommends keeping your dog’s Bordetella and canine influenza vaccines up to date, especially if your dog is often in social settings.

Canine Distemper Virus

In its early stages, canine distemper can look a lot like a dog cold. Symptoms include nasal discharge, coughing, and eye discharge. However, distemper is a serious, life-threatening disease that progresses to neurological symptoms if left untreated. This is one reason why vaccination is so critical. If your dog hasn’t been vaccinated or is overdue for their DHPP booster, contact Comal Pet Hospital & Resort right away.

Canine Adenovirus Type 2

Canine adenovirus type 2 is another virus that contributes to respiratory illness in dogs. It causes coughing and nasal discharge similar to what you’d associate with a dog having a cold. This virus is included in the core DHPP vaccine, so properly vaccinated dogs have protection against it.

Bacterial Infections

Secondary bacterial infections can develop alongside or after a viral respiratory infection, often making symptoms worse. Bacterial pneumonia is one serious complication that can arise when a dog cold goes untreated or when the immune system is already compromised. Dogs with bacterial infections may need prescription antibiotics from their veterinarian.

What Are the Symptoms of a Dog Cold?

Cold-like symptoms in dogs can look remarkably similar to what humans experience. Here’s what to watch for:

• Frequent sneezing or nasal discharge (clear, yellow, or green)
• Watery or goopy eyes
• Mild to moderate coughing
• Reduced energy or activity level
• Decreased appetite
• Low-grade fever

Most mild dog colds resolve on their own within 5 to 10 days. However, if symptoms are worsening, not improving, or if your dog seems particularly unwell, a veterinary visit is warranted.

Can Dogs Get Colds From Being Outside in the Cold?

Cold weather itself does not cause a dog cold. Just as with humans, dog colds are caused by viruses and bacteria, not by temperature exposure. That said, cold weather can stress the immune system, making dogs more susceptible to picking up infections they might otherwise shake off. Short-haired breeds, puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with health conditions may be more vulnerable to the effects of cold weather on top of an existing illness. In the Hill Country winters around New Braunfels, it’s worth keeping an eye on your dog if temperatures drop significantly.

When Should I Take My Dog to the Vet for Cold Symptoms?

Not every sniffle requires an emergency appointment, but there are clear situations where you should get your dog evaluated promptly. Call Comal Pet Hospital & Resort if your dog is showing cold-like symptoms and any of the following apply:

• Symptoms have lasted more than 10 days without improvement
• Nasal discharge changes from clear to yellow or green, which may indicate a bacterial infection
• Your dog stops eating or drinking for more than 24 hours
• Breathing becomes labored, rapid, or noisy
• Your dog has a confirmed or suspected fever (normal dog temperature is 101–102.5°F)
• Your dog is a puppy, a senior, or has a known health condition that could complicate recovery

How Is a Dog Cold Diagnosed and Treated?

Your veterinarian will begin with a thorough physical exam and a review of your dog’s history, including their vaccination status and any recent exposure to other dogs. Depending on the severity of symptoms, diagnostic tests such as bloodwork, chest X-rays, or nasal swabs may be recommended to identify the cause and rule out more serious conditions.

Treatment Options for Dog Colds

There is no over-the-counter “dog cold medicine” that’s universally safe to administer at home. Treatment is tailored to the cause and severity of your dog’s illness. Your veterinarian may recommend supportive care, rest, and hydration for mild cases. For bacterial infections, a course of prescription antibiotics may be necessary. Dogs with more severe respiratory symptoms may require additional interventions. Our veterinary team at Comal Pet Hospital & Resort will work with you to develop the right plan for your dog’s specific situation.

Can Dog Colds Be Prevented?

While no vaccine or preventive measure can eliminate the risk entirely, there are practical steps that significantly reduce your dog’s chances of getting sick.

• Keep vaccinations current. Bordetella, canine influenza, and DHPP vaccines protect against the most common causes of dog colds and respiratory illness
• Avoid high-exposure environments when your dog is under the weather or immunocompromised
• Practice good hygiene, especially after your dog has been around other dogs at parks, boarding facilities, or grooming salons
• Schedule annual wellness exams at Comal Pet Hospital & Resort so your dog’s overall health can be monitored year-round

What Dog Owners in New Braunfels Should Know This Season

Dog colds are a real and common part of pet ownership, but they don’t have to catch you off guard. Our veterinary team at Comal Pet Hospital & Resort in New Braunfels, TX is here to help you navigate your dog’s health at every stage, from routine vaccines that prevent dog colds to expert care when your pup just isn’t feeling their best. If you’re concerned about your dog’s cold symptoms, give us a call at (830) 625-8074 or book an appointment online, and we’ll help you figure out the next right step.