Dog cold symptoms: signs your pup's got the sniffles

Updated 07/11/2023

Coughing, sneezing, and runny noses: we’re all too familiar with the telltale signs of the human cold, but what do you know about dog cold symptoms? Keeping pooch pals happy and healthy is an important part of being a responsible pet parent or dog sitter, so we’re here to help you brush up on your knowledge by exploring the most common cold symptoms in dogs and providing some tips to aid your four-legged friend’s recovery.

Do dogs get colds? 

We all know that snuffly, bunged-up feeling that seems to make the rounds every winter. In humans, colds are caused by a variety of viral infections (which explains why you can get one after another), the most common being the rhinovirus. While dogs don’t usually catch the same cold viruses as humans, there are a number of illnesses that cause similar cold-like symptoms in dogs, which is why we call them ‘dog colds’. It’s important to monitor these dog cold symptoms closely as they can vary in terms of severity and they may also be a sign of a more serious illness. So can dogs get colds? The answer is yes!

Common dog cold symptoms

The symptoms of a cold in a dog are very similar to those of a human cold, and the following usually last for around 5-10 days. 

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Runny or congested nose
• Watery eyes
• Lethargy/reduced energy levels
• Fever
• Reduced appetite

Diagnosing dog colds 

Even when you know all the signs your dog has a cold, it’s not always easy to diagnose your fur baby. Speaking to your vet will help you determine whether your furry friend’s got a cold or something more serious. The symptoms of kennel cough can be mistaken for a cold - sneezing, runny noses, and lethargy are combined with a dry, hacking cough that is highly contagious and may be problematic for young puppies and pooch pals with other health issues. Allergies and fungal infections can also cause cold-like symptoms, and coughing may also be a sign of a bacterial or parasitic infection.

Caring for a dog with a cold

If your dog has cold symptoms your first port of call should be a visit to the vet. Once you’ve ruled out anything too serious, the following tips can help your pooch pal get the R&R they need to make their recovery time more comfortable, and potentially quicker. 

• Your furry friend will need lots of time to rest in a warm, quiet environment away from the hustle and bustle of the household. 
• Giving your fur baby a peaceful place to rest will also reduce the chance of spreading the cold virus to other furry friends in the household. Your four-legged friend’s contact with other fur babies should be minimized as much as possible (that includes avoiding exercise in public places or mixing with other dogs).   
• Use a soft, slightly damp clean cloth to wipe your furry friend’s runny nose and eyes twice daily.
• Ensure your four-pawed pal’s got access to a full water bowl at all times and provide them with a balanced diet to support their immune system. 
• Steam therapy can be soothing for a dog with a cold, after using the shower, let your dog sit in the steam leftover in the room for 5 minutes to help clear mucus from the airways.
• Monitor your fur baby and speak to the vet if symptoms become more severe.  
• Don’t give your four-legged friend any medication unless advised to by the vet. 
• Don't underestimate the power of a healing cuddle! Just like us, dogs can feel down when they are unwell, so lots of love, cuddles and pats can help keep their spirits up when they are sick. 

Related article: How to care for a sick dog at home

How to prevent your dog from getting a cold

They say prevention is the best medicine, so help your pooch avoid a case of the sniffles by steering clear of sick pups and cleaning their bowls and toys regularly, especially if they’re shared. Feed your furry friend a nutritious diet and make sure they’re well hydrated. Stay up to date on vaccinations against diseases such as kennel cough, canine influenza, and canine distemper. These vaccines will help strengthen your pooch pal’s immune system and enable them to fight off viruses and infections more effectively, therefore reducing the chance that they’ll catch a cold.

Keep your dog warm in the colder months, with blankets and bedding at night, and use jumpers or jackets if going out for a wintry walk. If your dog gets wet on a walk, dry them completely as this can help keep them healthy and comfortable in the colder months where coughs and colds are more persistent.

Related article: Dog eye infections: causes, symptoms and solutions

Just like in humans, dog colds are usually little more than a minor inconvenience, and cold symptoms in dogs should subside within a matter of days. However, determining the exact cause of your furry friend’s symptoms can be tricky, so taking them to the vet is the best way to ensure they receive the correct care and treatment so they can be back on their paws in no time. Remember that symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and runny noses can be a sign of other more serious illnesses, so it’s always best to err on the side of caution if your furry friend’s feeling under the weather.

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.

Is your furry friend as fit as a flea? 

Now you know how to tell if your dog has a cold, what else can you find out about your pooch pal’s health? We’ve got vet-approved advice on what to do if a dog has a temperature and how to help a dog with anxiety so you can get up to scratch on the well-being of your beloved buddy!