Yes, dogs can get “colds,” but not the same common cold viruses that humans get.

Quick Scoop: Can dogs get colds?

Dogs don’t catch human cold viruses like rhinoviruses, and you generally can’t swap colds back and forth with your dog. However, they do get their own respiratory infections that look very similar to a human cold, with sneezing, runny nose, and coughing.

What a “dog cold” really is

Vets often call these illnesses canine infectious respiratory disease complex (also called CIRD or CIRDC). They can be caused by several dog‑specific germs, for example:

  • Canine adenovirus type 2.
  • Canine parainfluenza virus.
  • Canine respiratory coronavirus.
  • Bordetella bronchiseptica (a main cause of kennel cough).

These infections spread when dogs share bowls or toys, or sniff and lick each other, especially in places like kennels, dog parks, or daycare.

Common symptoms to watch for

Typical “cold‑like” signs in dogs include:

  • Sneezing or snorting.
  • Runny or stuffy nose.
  • Coughing, sometimes hacking like kennel cough.
  • Watery or goopy eyes.
  • Mild tiredness and wanting to rest more.
  • Slight drop in appetite.

If you see trouble breathing, heavy lethargy, poor appetite, or symptoms that last more than a few days, that’s more serious and needs a vet.

Can dogs catch our colds?

  • It’s considered very unlikely that your dog will catch a human cold from you, because the viruses are species‑specific.
  • Likewise, your dog’s cold usually won’t infect you.

So you can usually still cuddle your pup when you have a cold, though good hygiene (washing hands, not coughing directly on them) is always sensible.

Home care: what you can safely do

For a dog with mild cold‑like symptoms but otherwise acting fairly normal, common at‑home support includes:

  • Rest : Let them sleep more, avoid heavy exercise or long, exciting walks.
  • Hydration: Fresh water available at all times; some dogs drink more if you slightly warm low‑sodium broth (dog‑safe only).
  • Comfort: Keep them in a warm, draft‑free spot, away from smoke or strong cleaners that can irritate the airways.
  • Humid air: A steamy bathroom from a hot shower nearby can ease congestion for some dogs (supervise and don’t overheat them).
  • Food: Offer their normal diet; slightly warming it can make it smell more tempting if their nose is stuffy.

Never give human cold or flu medications (like decongestants, ibuprofen, or many cough syrups), because several common human ingredients are toxic to dogs.

When to call the vet

Contact a vet promptly if you notice any of the following:

  • Symptoms lasting more than a few days or suddenly worsening.
  • Trouble breathing, rapid breathing, or very noisy respiration.
  • Blue‑tinged gums or tongue, or extreme lethargy.
  • Not eating for more than 24 hours, or not drinking.
  • Puppies, senior dogs, flat‑faced breeds (like pugs, bulldogs), or dogs with heart/lung disease showing any cold‑like signs.

Vets can check for more serious diseases like kennel cough, canine influenza, or pneumonia, and may use tests, imaging, and medications if needed.

Prevention and “latest” advice

There’s no single vaccine for every “dog cold,” just like with human colds, but some major causes of cold‑like illness do have vaccines.

  • Core vaccines like distemper help prevent serious respiratory infections.
  • Many vets recommend Bordetella and canine influenza vaccines for dogs that board, attend daycare, or socialize a lot.
  • Avoid crowded dog spaces if there are local reports of respiratory outbreaks, and don’t take a coughing or sneezing dog to public dog areas.

Recent veterinary articles continue to emphasize that dog respiratory bugs are common but usually mild, and that quick vet attention for high‑risk dogs is the safest approach.

TL;DR: Dogs can’t catch your common cold, but they absolutely can get dog‑specific respiratory infections that look just like a cold, and mild cases often improve with rest and supportive care—while more severe or long‑lasting symptoms need a vet check.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.