Can My Pet Catch A Cold?

Can My Pet Catch A Cold?

A cold is one of the most common sicknesses among humans. The common cold is actually a virus, typically the rhinovirus or parainfluenza virus. This type of virus isn’t contracted from being wet and outside in the cold, it is contracted from someone else that is infected with the virus. Since this type of cold is a viral infection, you are more at risk of catching it if you have a weakened immune system, have allergies, or you’re fatigued and stressed. So, if you have a cold, can you pass it on to your pet, and can a dog recover on its own? Our veterinarians at Fairway Knolls Veterinary Hospital in Bloomington have the answers.

Can Your Pets Catch Your Cold?

The short answer is yes. Dogs and cats can catch a cold, but it isn’t necessarily the same type as humans catch. Cats and dogs can have the same symptoms as you, including sneezing, coughing, fatigue, and discharge from their eyes and nose, but these may also be symptoms of an infection, allergies, or even pneumonia. Depending on the type of virus you have, it’s rare, but your cat may be able to catch your cold, but dogs aren’t affected by human cold viruses and the flu, they get viruses from other dogs.

Preventing Your Pet From Getting Sick

It’s important to wash your hands before and after handling your dog or cat. It’s unlikely that you will pass your cold on to your pet, but it will help to protect your pet from the possibility of disease transmission. It’s also important to avoid exposing saliva from your pet to your nose, broken skin, or mouth.

Veterinary Care in Bloomington, IL

If your pet is sick and doesn’t seem to be improving on his or her own, call Fairway Knolls Veterinary Hospital today at 309-663-1414 to schedule an appointment with one of our veterinarians. We can help with anything from a minor cold to severe medical issues.

Location

Find us on the map