Humans get the sniffles once in a while, and even dogs can get colds!
Humans get the sniffles once in a while, and even dogs can get colds! The problem is that our canines can’t tell us what is bothering them, so we don’t always know if it’s the sniffles, a cold, or something worse. Here is what pet owners can do to help their pets.
Symptoms of Dog Colds
The common cold consists of numerous viruses with similar symptoms, and the same applies to the colds your dog contracts. The symptoms of a dog’s cold are also identical to those of humans:
- Sniffles
- Coughing
- Runny nose
- Congestion
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
Dogs can get colds, so contact your vet instantly if your pet has any of these symptoms. Sometimes, these symptoms might indicate something serious, like influenza, kennel cough, parainfluenza, canine distemper, or bronchitis.
Your Dog Has a Cold, Now What?
If you believe your dog may have a cold, please schedule a vet appointment immediately. At Alexander Animal Hospital, we will conduct a physical examination and might suggest diagnostic testing to find the source of your dog’s symptoms to narrow down the best potential treatment.
While minor colds from dogs typically resolve themselves, a more severe infection might require fluids, antibiotics, and cough suppressants. Dogs can get colds from other dogs who are sick. Remember to keep your dog from interacting with other dogs to prevent the illness from spreading.
Can My Dog Get Me Sick?
Although many diseases can transfer from animals to humans, it’s not likely to happen with your dog. You can prevent most diseases with frequent handwashing and routine vet visits. Some common diseases that humans may contract from their pets include:
- Salmonella poisoning often occurs due to contaminated food. However, pets can spread it through their feces. Humans may experience signs of salmonella poisoning, such as diarrhea, stomach pain, and fever.
- Humans may get toxoplasmosis from consuming undercooked meat or from direct contact with animal feces. They can also get it from contact with contaminated feline feces, so changing your cat’s litter daily is essential. In addition, toxoplasmosis might cause flu-like symptoms and even trigger a miscarriage or severe congenital disability in a woman who is pregnant.
- Rabies is generally fatal and can spread through the saliva of infected animals. Even though rabies can be spread among pets such as a dog or cat, you are most likely to get it from a wild animal. Early signs include headaches or a fever, which may quickly advance to sleepiness, confusion, or agitation.
Support Your Pet’s Wellness at Alexander Animal Hospital
Alexander Animal Hospital is a full-service animal hospital located in Severna Park, Maryland, serving the Severna Park, Pasadena, and Arnold Areas. Our goal is educating clients on the needs of their pets and understanding the importance of individualized veterinary care in order to strengthen the human-animal bond between owners and their pets.
We understand you have a choice when deciding on the care for your pets, and we strive to provide you with unparalleled services including wellness exams, vaccines, lost pet microchip ID, dental care, surgical services, digital radiography, and in-hospital laboratory services and diagnostics. Other highlights of Alexander Animal Hospital are the separate cat and dog waiting and exam rooms, as well as after-hours on-call emergency services.
Please take a look around our website and then give us a call at 410-777-8678 to set up an appointment. We’re social! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for all the latest updates!