Can I Get My Dog Sick?

When we have a cold or a little cough, we tend to stay away from others so that we don’t get them sick. While you’re home alone under your blanket, and your dog comes to snuggle up beside you, you may wonder if you can pass on this illness to your dog. That is a very good question.

The answer to that is no. Colds in humans are caused by viruses that are usually contagious among humans. Similarly, dogs can pick up bugs from other dogs.

Dog colds

The most common ‘dog cold’ we know of today is called kennel cough. This is an infection of the respiratory system that includes upper airway inflammation or congestion. Some common symptoms of kennel cough include:

• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Coughing

Of course, prevention is the best cure for any condition. You can protect your dog against this condition by ensuring all the common vaccines are given at checkups. This vaccine often called the Bordetella vaccine is typically given to dogs that are frequently exposed to other dogs. For example, if your dog frequents dog parks, daycares, or groomers, a vaccine for kennel cough is a must. In fact, many of these facilities require dogs to be vaccinated to be granted entry.

If your dog catches kennel cough, it is usually treated with antibiotics and a lot of liquids. When treated right away, this condition is rarely fatal, and like humans, dogs can bounce back from a cold pretty easily once given proper treatment.