Can a Dog Catch a Cold from a Cat? Vet Reviewed Facts & FAQ – Dogster (2024)

FAQs

Can a Dog Catch a Cold from a Cat? Vet Reviewed Facts & FAQ – Dogster? ›

Just like humans, dogs and cats can suffer from “colds,” but can they infect each other? In most cases, dogs can't catch a cold from a cat because the viruses and bacteria that cause the illness typically only infect one species or the other.

No, canines cannot catch a cold from felines. Or at least, they are very, very unlikely to. This is because the bacteria and viruses that cause colds tend to be species-specific and stick to one kind of animal. There are exceptions but these are rare, and probably worth writing a scientific paper about if they happen.

Diseases Dogs Can Get From Cats. The most common diseases spread from cats to dogs are intestinal parasites such as roundworm, tapeworm, hookworm, or whipworm. These parasites can be transmitted to dogs through ingestion of infected cat feces.

YES! People may think because dogs usually catch respiratory infections or kennel cough from kennels, that it must come from dogs. But, in actual fact, dogs absolutely can catch the infection from cats too! Read on to better understand the symptoms, how the infection spreads, and the treatment options.

The symptoms of a dog's cold are usually sneezing, nasal discharge, frequent licking of the nose and watering eyes, as well as tiredness. As soon as the first symptoms of illness appear, only take short walks.

If your dog does have a cold, a cool-mist humidifier will ease nasal congestion and soothe your pet's sore throat. Be sure to provide plenty of water to ensure that your pet stays hydrated. When your furry friend's nose runs, use a soft, moist washcloth to remove mucus.

The viruses that give animals things like coughs, colds, and the flu are different from the ones that cause these illnesses in people, and they don't spread back and forth between humans and animals. Some illnesses that affect pets that do not affect humans include the following.

Can Kennel Cough Spread Between Cats, Dogs, and Humans? Cats can get kennel cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica) from infected dogs, as well as from infected cats. Dogs can catch the disease from cats, too. It's possible for humans to get kennel cough from an infected dog or cat.

Most cases are associated with direct contact because the viruses and bacteria only survive for a short period of time in the environment and are readily destroyed by proper disinfection. "An infected cat will shed contagious particles in saliva or secretions from the nose or eyes."

But you may notice that your dog has similar symptoms, including a dripping nose, sneezing, watery eyes and a persistent cough. The cough can sound quite frightening (like a honking goose) and each bout usually ends with your dog gagging or retching.

How can I tell if my dog is cold? ›

Dogs can get stuffy noses just like people. Often, their stuffy noses are caused by a cold or allergies. You can treat your dog's stuffy nose at home by placing them in a bathroom with a hot shower running. But if things don't clear up after a day or two, it's best to see a vet.

You should still isolate sick pets from healthy ones. The cat flu, which can be a common name for canine parvovirus enteritis, is a highly contagious disease and can be passed between cats and dogs, although it is not a traditional "flu" and has different symptoms.

Cats with uncomplicated upper respiratory disease, pneumonia, or oral ulcers may recover in days or weeks, while those with severe systemic disease have a much less favorable prognosis. Vaccination against feline calicivirus is recommended for all healthy cats.

In many cases, cats in shelters and boarding facilities are often prone to cat colds due to the constant interaction with other cats. “Cats like to groom each other, so if they're grooming and licking each other's faces, they can also get it from direct contact,” warns Elswick.

In most cases, cat colds are harmless and will go away within 1-2 weeks. You do need to monitor their health, however, and if there is no sign of improvement by the fourth day, you should make an appointment with your vet as a persisting cold that does not get treated properly may develop into pneumonia.