Can a dog catch a cold?

By Heather GibsonCategories: Uncategorized

We’ve all been there: curled up on the couch with a box of tissues, a warm blanket, and the world’s most dramatic case of the sniffles. And right there beside us? Our loyal pup, watching with wide, concerned eyes—and maybe a few sneezes of their own.

Which raises the question:
Can dogs catch colds too?

It’s a great question—and the short answer is yes… sort of. Dogs can absolutely get respiratory infections that resemble the common cold in humans. But don’t worry! Most “doggy colds” are mild and treatable—especially if you know what to look for and how to help your pup feel better.

Let’s sniff out the facts.

What We Call a “Cold” in Dogs

When we talk about humans catching colds, we’re usually referring to viral infections like rhinovirus. While dogs don’t catch rhinovirus itself, they can come down with canine-specific viruses and bacteria that cause similar symptoms.

Here are some common culprits:

Canine Adenovirus Type 2
Canine Parainfluenza Virus
Bordetella bronchiseptica (the main cause of kennel cough)
Canine Influenza Virus (yep, dogs have their own flu!)

Each of these can result in mild upper respiratory infections—basically, doggy cold symptoms.

Cold-Like Symptoms in Dogs

If your Mini Golden is suddenly acting a little under the weather, here’s what you might notice:

Sneezing
Runny nose (clear or slightly cloudy)
Watery eyes
Coughing
Mild lethargy
Decreased appetite
Mild fever (above 102.5°F in dogs)

They may also sound a little congested, sleep more than usual, or be less interested in playtime. (Hey, we all get like that when we’re feeling crummy.)

When to Be Concerned

While most canine colds are mild and go away on their own, some symptoms deserve a closer look.

Call your vet if you notice:

Green or yellow nasal discharge
Labored breathing or wheezing
Coughing that sounds like gagging or choking
Lethargy that lasts more than a day or two
Refusal to eat or drink
Persistent fever or shivering

These could be signs of something more serious—like pneumonia, canine influenza, or another condition that needs treatment.

How Dogs Catch Colds

Just like us, dogs can catch viruses and bacteria from other dogs—through shared water bowls, toys, or even a quick nose boop at the park.

Colds are especially common in places where lots of dogs gather, such as:

Dog parks
Doggy daycare
Groomers
Boarding facilities
Puppy classes

This doesn’t mean you should avoid those places altogether! Just make sure your pup is up-to-date on their core vaccinations, including Bordetella and canine flu, if recommended by your vet.

At Big Hearted Breeders, we always make sure your puppy comes home with a healthy foundation, including their first round of vaccinations and plenty of immune-building early care.

Can Dogs Catch Colds from Humans?

Here’s some good news: You can’t give your cold to your dog. And they can’t give their cold to you, either.

Human colds and dog colds come from different pathogens, so the sniffles aren’t contagious across species. That said, some illnesses like canine influenza or COVID-19 variants have shown limited cross-species potential, so it’s best to avoid extra cuddles if you’re really sick—just to be safe.

How to Help Your Pup Feel Better

So, your dog’s a little sniffly. What now?

Here’s how to help them recover like the pampered little fluff nugget they are:

1. Let Them Rest

Your dog’s body needs time to fight off the virus. Let them nap, skip long walks, and enjoy some low-key lounging.

2. Keep Them Warm and Cozy

Make sure their bed is soft, clean, and in a draft-free area. Some pups even appreciate a cozy sweater while they’re under the weather.

3. Encourage Gentle Hydration

Offer fresh water regularly. If they’re not drinking, try low-sodium broth to tempt them. We recommend mixing pawTree bone broth powder in some warm water.

4. Serve Tempting Meals

If their appetite is off, you can warm up their food or mix in a little plain boiled chicken and rice. You can also try a healthy kibble topper to perk their appetite. Just check with your vet if they go more than 24 hours without eating.

5. Use a Humidifier

Dry air can irritate nasal passages and make symptoms worse. A cool-mist humidifier near their bed can help them breathe easier.

6. Keep Their Nose Clean

Use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe away any discharge. Be gentle—they’re sensitive!

When to Call the Vet

If symptoms last more than 3–5 days, worsen, or your pup seems truly uncomfortable, always check in with your veterinarian. In some cases, a simple medication or supportive care can get them back to tail-wagging in no time.

At Big Hearted Breeders, we always recommend trusting your instincts—you know your dog better than anyone!

Prevention Tips

Prevention Tips
We can’t bubble-wrap our dogs (though some days I wish we could), but there are a few thoughtful ways to help reduce their chances of catching a cold:

Keep your dog’s immune system strong with a balanced, high-quality diet (I’m always happy to share what I feed!)
Schedule titer testing instead of automatic yearly vaccines—this way, you’ll know if your dog is protected without risking immune overload
Avoid dog parks, where viruses and bacteria are easily spread
Keep your dog’s living area clean, dry, and well-ventilated
Wash your hands after interacting with unfamiliar dogs or public surfaces

The best prevention? A happy, well-cared-for pup with a naturally supported immune system.

Mini Goldens and Immune Health

Our Mini Golden Retriever puppies are raised with love, care, and health as our top priority. From their first days, we support their immune systems with:

Clean, low-stress environments
A slow-weaning process
High-quality nutrition
Regular socialization and vet care

This early investment helps ensure your puppy is ready to take on the world—sniffles and all.

Final Thoughts: Yes, Dogs Get Colds—But Don’t Panic

The next time your Mini Golden sneezes or seems a little off, take a breath. Chances are, it’s a mild case of the doggy sniffles—and with a little rest, hydration, and TLC, they’ll be back to chasing tennis balls and stealing socks in no time.

And if you’re ever unsure? Your vet (and your breeder!) are just a call away.

FAQ: Can Dogs Catch Colds?

Can dogs get colds like humans?
Yes, dogs can catch upper respiratory infections that cause cold-like symptoms—but from dog-specific viruses and bacteria.

Can my dog catch a cold from me?
No, human colds don’t spread to dogs. However, limit contact if you’re sick—just in case!

Should I take my dog to the vet for a cold?
If symptoms are mild, you can monitor at home. But if things worsen or don’t improve in 3–5 days, contact your vet.

Can I prevent my dog from getting sick?
Vaccines, good nutrition, clean living spaces, and smart social habits go a long way in preventing illness.

Are some dogs more likely to catch colds?
Puppies, senior dogs, and those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible—but any dog can catch a bug.