As pet owners, we all want to provide the best care possible for our furry friends. But what if they get sick? Can dogs get colds like humans do?
The short answer is yes—dogs can indeed catch a cold, though the condition is known as “canine infectious respiratory disease” in veterinary circles. Let’s take a closer look at this common canine sickness.
What is Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease?
Canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD) is an umbrella term that describes any of several viral or bacterial infections of the upper respiratory tract in dogs.
These illnesses are most often caused by one of four viruses—parainfluenza virus, distemper virus, adenovirus type 2, and canine herpesvirus—as well as several types of bacteria such as Bordetella bronchiseptica and Mycoplasma spp.
Symptoms of Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease
The symptoms of CIRD can vary depending on the type and severity of the infection, but the most common signs include sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, fever, and loss of appetite.
Dogs infected with one of these germs may also experience eye inflammation (conjunctivitis), mouth ulcers, or swollen lymph nodes. If left untreated, CIRD can progress to pneumonia or other more severe illnesses.
If you suspect that your pup has contracted CIRD, it’s important to take them to see a veterinarian right away for diagnosis and treatment.
Preventing Your Dog from Getting Sick
It’s always better to prevent your dog from getting sick than trying to treat them afterward! Vaccines are available for some types of CIRD-causing germs and can help protect your pup from illness.
Additionally, good hygiene practices such as washing your hands after handling animals or their waste products can help reduce the risk of transmission between pets and people.
Lastly, make sure to keep your house clean by washing bedding and toys regularly; this will help reduce the spread of germs in multiple directions!
Conclusion
Keeping our dogs healthy is a priority for every pet parent out there. Fortunately, canine infectious respiratory disease—the condition commonly referred to as “doggie colds” —is highly treatable when caught early on.
While vaccinations are available for some types of CIRD-causing germs and good hygiene practices can help reduce the risk of transmission between pets and people, it’s still important to be aware that dogs can indeed catch colds just like humans do!
If you suspect that your pup might have contracted CIRD, make sure you reach out to a trusted veterinarian right away for diagnosis and treatment. Happy tails!
