[Sarahrox]

My young adult dog is having all the symptoms of a human cold – snotty sinuses and coughing. Can dogs catch colds, or is there something else going on that I need to be aware of?

[Emma Braby]

Hi Sarah,
Dogs cannot catch human colds, but they can catch other viruses that exhibit similar symptoms, such as a runny nose, temperature, shivering, lethargy, sneezing, and watery eyes. Some of the most common canine colds include canine respiratory coronavirus, canine adenovirus, canine parainfluenza virus, canine distemper virus, or canine infectious tracheobronchitis (also known as kennel cough).
Some canine colds can be treated at home like you would with a human cold, with rest and staying hydrated and warm. It’s important to isolate ill patients from other pets in the house to prevent spreading the virus/illness.
As with any health worry, it’s essential to contact your vet for advice. These symptoms can also be symptoms of other, more serious health concerns, and some dogs are more vulnerable to illnesses than others. Your dog might also need antibiotics to treat the infection, such as Doxycycline, which is a common antibiotic for respiratory infections in dogs.
We hope your pup starts feeling better soon!

[Author]

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