Have you ever notice your dog sniffling, sneezing, and generally acting a little sluggish? Have you ever wondered whether dogs get colds? We have the answer.
The thing is that while dogs may not be able to get all the same things that humans do (and vice versa), the reality is that dogs can in fact get a cold or even the flu. And according to The Animal Clinic of Woodruff, when our pups actually do get colds they will often exhibit many of the same signs that we do, making it easy to determine that they are in fact feeling under the weather.
So what are some of the signs that your dog has a cold? And what do you need to know?
Can dogs get colds or even the flu?
Among the signs of a dog with a cold are,
- Sneezing (in particular, dogs may have more wet sneezes)
- Congestion (this could present in the form of breathing that is labored)
- Lethargy (you may notice your pup napping more than normal or even seeming to be more lazy)
- Watery eyes
- Snotty noses (think a drippy nose)
And it is important to note that typically when dogs get colds, they will deal with the symptoms for anywhere from five to 10 days, just like we do. While often times we can take care of our dogs right at home, you may need to take your pup to the vet if you notice them struggling to breathe, not eating, their lethargy gets more pronounced, or even if there are signs of them being in pain.
Typically, caring for a dog with a cold is all about keeping them hydrated, making sure we give them an environment of warm, humid air, and even just letting them get all the rest they need.
We hate to see our pups not feeling well, but it is also good to know that it is possible for them to get a common cold just like we do.
Did you know dogs can get colds or the flu? Have you ever had a pup who got a cold? What did you do for them? Let us know in the comments.