Can Dogs Get Colds From Humans? What Are Their Symptoms And How To Prevent

June 30, 2011 | Dog Diseases | Leave a Comment |

Diseases that can be transmitted from humans to animals including dogs are anthroponoses or zooanthroponoses. Generally, if any of such diseases is passed onto animals, the disease can be deadly. Fortunately, cold is not among the listed zoonathroponoses.

  • Dog cold varies according to their symptoms and causes.
  • Dogs are vulnerable to respiratory infections that are similar to human colds. However, dogs do not get the same virus as do humans.
  • Respiratory illnesses such as colds can be:
    • Parainfluenza. This is a very contagious respiratory ailment characterized by chronic sneezing and coughing.
    • Pneumonia. This is contracted when colds and other respiratory and viral infections are left untreated. Pneumonia is the inflammation of lungs. It is characterized by difficulty in breathing and coughing.
    • Distemper. The cold symptoms come with gastro-intestinal symptoms.

Can Dog Get Colds Symptoms

  • Cold symptoms vary based on their types. Common symptoms are:
    • Congestion
    • Sneezing
    • Coughing
    • Runny nose
    • Runny or watery eyes
    • The adenovirus type 2 disease, which is a virus that brings cold-like symptoms can also cause kennel cough.
    • Canine kennel cough is a type of cough that is raspy and has phlegm. Its cause is the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica. But it can also be caused by viruses.
    • Canine influenza virus or H3N8 was diagnosed in 2004. The virus was spread from horses to dogs in the United States of America.
    • In Southeast Asia, South Korea, and the United States, a similar dog virus, the H3N2 was observed. Its symptoms include:
      • Cough that lasts for up to 3 weeks
      • Discharges from nose
      • Low fever
      • Fever can reach 106F with increased breathing if the case is severe.

How To Prevent?

  • Colds in dogs can be cured.
    Of all treatments, prevention is the best.
  • Mostly, the vets prescribe antibiotic for bacterial infection.
  • If colds are caused by virus, sometimes, the antibiotics will not work.
  • Supportive measures from home are encouraged.
  • The dogs must be kept warm and dry.
  • Limit the time spent outdoors especially during cold weather as the weather will cause the bronchial passages to contract, thereby, making it harder for dogs to breathe.
  • Most dog owners will run vaporizer to moisten the bronchial tubes.
  • Most vets will not prescribe medicines to cure colds and coughs as they can be overdosed.
    • .
  • A change in diet may also help. Lukewarm chicken soup will keep dogs hydrated.
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