Can I give my dog a cold?

Dogs can catch a cold when their immune system cannot effectively fight bacteria or viruses. Usually the underlying cause isn’t completely due to germs, but also on the body’s general well-being.

So a canine cold tends to manifest when other problems are present. In other words, dogs can easily catch this common condition when they’re in less than optimal health or stressful situations.

That said, if your concern is transferring a cold to your best buddy then we have some good news. You’ll be happy to know that transmission from a human to a dog is virtually impossible.

Can I Give My Dog a Cold? Answer: No

Diseases that are transferable from humans to pets are almost unheard of.

You cannot give a cold to your dog. The bacteria, viruses and organisms that thrive in a particular body’s system cannot survive in such a different environment. Colds aren’t communicable between these two species. Therefore, the cold viruses and germs that can live inside your body cannot also thrive in your dog’s body. The two species also can’t typically transfer Influenza or any other types of the flu.

From Your Dog to You?

Now you know that your dog is safe to come near you even if you’re sick with a cold. But what if your pet dog has the cold first? Can they transfer the disease to you?

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The answer is also no. The common cold viruses that cause the disease in humans and dogs are very different. Rest assured, there’s no way it can be transferred back and forth from a dog to a pet owner and vice-versa.

Signs of a Canine Cold

Cold symptoms in dogs and humans are very similar. As this ailment affects the upper respiratory tract, there could be some difficulty in breathing. Having this type of ailment is particularly tough for dogs. They just can’t voice their pain, discomfort or particular symptoms.

If you observe that your pet has a type of cold, you’ll want to administer treatment or some remedies to alleviate your dog’s condition. We’ll offer solutions below.

If the situation is severe, you may see some mucous discharge from their nose. A runny nose can be expected, while a yellowish or greenish discharge can indicate an infection. In such a case, your dog’s cold may be accompanied by fever and general weakness. Unfortunately your dog can also experience the same sneezing, cough, as well as a loss of appetite.

Treating Your Dog’s Cold

A vet can prescribe a suitable cold medicine for your dog. Although a common cold by itself is not life threatening, complications from it can be more serious. A simple cold can develop into pneumonia when not properly attended to. That’s why your veterinarian will likely prescribe antibiotics early on to control the situation.

Moreover, a high dose of vitamin C may also be given to your pet. This will boost their immune system enabling your dog to recover faster.

During this time, keep your canine friend warm and dry while recuperating. Also, limit their time outside if the weather is cold. The bronchial tube constricts in a cold environment making it even harder to breathe for most dogs.

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You should also encourage them to drink plenty of water. A well hydrated body helps relieve some cold symptoms. If your dog isn’t drinking as much as they should perhaps the use of some Pedialyte is warranted. The electrolytes in it will keep the natural balance of moisture inside your dog’s system during this difficult time.

Conclusion on Common Cold

Although colds are very common for both the human and canine species, dogs and humans cannot catch this type of disease from one another. The noncommunicable nature of these viruses means that the germs that can thrive in the human body cannot adapt to a dog’s body and vice versa. It is, therefore, safe to snuggle up with your pet even if one of you has a cold.

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