The windows are closing, the heating’s creeping back on and the humans are coughing into their sleeves. Cold season is definitely here, but what about our pets? Can cats and dogs catch colds too? And if they’re sneezing or sniffling, should you be worried?
The short answer: yes, pets can come down with cold-like illnesses, but they’re very different from the ones humans get. Dogs and cats have their own types of viruses that affect their upper respiratory systems. In dogs, one of the most common is known as canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC), which includes things like kennel cough. In cats, it’s often referred to as “cat flu”, and is usually caused by feline herpesvirus or calicivirus.
The good news is these viruses generally don’t spread between pets and humans. Your cold won’t make your dog sick, and your cat can’t give you the sniffles either. But just like us, they can feel pretty under the weather while they’re fighting it off.
Symptoms can include sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, nasal discharge, tiredness and a lower appetite. Mild cases will often pass with rest, hydration and a bit of TLC, but if your pet seems unusually quiet, has trouble breathing, stops eating or the symptoms stick around for more than a few days, it’s best to check in with your vet.
Vaccinations can help reduce the risk and severity of these illnesses, especially for pets who spend time around others at the groomer, the park, catteries, kennels or daycare. It’s also worth noting that cooler, damper weather can affect pets with pre-existing conditions, like flat-faced breeds or cats with asthma, so this is a good time of year to be extra observant.
So, can pets catch colds? Sort of. Their version of it. The best defence is regular check-ups, staying on top of parasite protection and keeping an eye on any changes in behaviour. They’ll be back to full zoomies (or dramatic staring) before you know it.
