Can Dogs Get Colds?
Have you ever snuggled up with your pup and noticed that their nose was colder than usual? Well, if you're like most pet owners, the first thought that likely crossed your mind is: "can my dog get a cold?" Believe it or not, the answer is yes according to veterinarians.
Just like humans, dogs can suffer from the sniffles and play host to all kinds of viruses. So in this blog post let's take a look at whether or not our furry friends are vulnerable to catching colds and what we can do about it!
Can dogs get colds from humans?
You might often feel guilty about rugging up with your furry friend on the couch but you don’t have to. Dr. Lori Teller, a graduate of Texas A&M University
College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, confirms that you can’t pass your cold onto your dog. And yes, we know, what a relief to hear.
Canine colds, also known as Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC), are caused by a variety of viral and bacterial infections that can be contracted from other dogs..
While it's possible for a dog to catch a cold virus in the same way a human would, there is no evidence that shows that dogs are capable of passing on colds to humans..
Cold symptoms for dogs
In terms of cold symptoms, Canine Colds are quite similar to those experienced by humans. Dogs may have runny noses, sneezing fits and/or coughing spells. Depending on the severity of the infection, they may also experience loss of appetite, lethargy and reduced energy levels.
If your canine friend displays any of these symptoms then it is best to take them to your vet for an evaluation. Your vet can determine what type of infection your pup may have in order to provide proper treatment. It’s always important to understand if your dog is sick and it should never be taken lightly.
How to treat a dog cold at home?
When it comes to treating your dog’s cold at home, the most important thing is to keep them comfortable and make sure they get plenty of rest. You can do this by making sure your dog has a warm, draft-free environment, using heated pet beds and blankets, if necessary.
You should also provide your pup with plenty of fresh water and food that is easily digestible.
Another way to help treat a cold in dogs is through steam therapy. This involves bringing your pup into a bathroom that has been filled with steamy air either through running hot water in the bathtub or running the shower on full blast until it steams up the room.
This helps clear their congested respiratory tract and can help them breathe more comfortably. Finally, as with any other medical condition in dogs, prevention is always better than cure.
Make sure to keep your pup away from other animals that may be carrying contagious diseases and ensure they are up-to-date on all vaccinations.
Additionally, keeping their immune system healthy by providing them with a balanced diet full of essential vitamins and minerals will go a long way in helping keep them healthy!
Can dogs get the flu?
Can dogs get the flu? The answer is yes according to veterinarians, just like humans, dogs can also catch the flu virus. Canine influenza, also known as dog flu, is an infectious respiratory virus that affects dogs and can be highly contagious.
Although it's uncommon, it’s important to recognise dog flu symptoms so you can get your pup treated right away.
Dog flu symptoms are similar to those of a human cold or the flu, including coughing, sneezing, runny nose and eyes, and fever. In some cases, canine influenza may cause more severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing and pneumonia.
Additionally, your pet may become lethargic and show no interest in eating or drinking water.If you suspect your pet has the flu, contact your veterinarian immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment. Preventing canine influenza is key to keeping your pet healthy.
Vaccinating your dog against the virus is one of the best ways to keep them from getting sick and help stop the spread of infection among other animals. Make sure to talk to your vet about different vaccination options for your pet's size and breed.
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