Can a Puppy Catch a Cold?

There's nothing that touches the heartstrings of new puppy owners more than seeing their best friend sniffle and show all the symptoms of what appears to be a cold. A canine respiratory problem is more deadly to your puppy than any cold he would contract. If beginning symptoms are not treated properly, more severe problems such as bronchitis, pulmonary congestion (asthma) and even pneumonia can develop.

Generally bronchial infections are caused by respiratory system infections, pneumonia or prolonged exposure to cold weather without being properly dried off. Exposure to blasts of cold air can also cause bronchial problems, as well as a puppy inhaling smoke or any other irritant. Allergies are a common reason for bronchial problems, besides inhaling smoke or other irritants. Overfeeding can also result in an upper respiratory illness, as well as over stimulation.

One of the most contagious respiratory illnesses is kennel cough. Kennel cough (bordetella) is a canine bronchitis typified by a harsh, hacking cough that sounds as if something is caught in the throat. Similar to a chest cold in humans, kennel cough can be serious in some situations, but it usually heals on its own. Most often, puppies catch kennel cough from being with other dogs in an animal shelter or kennel environment. To prevent kennel, cough owners should ensure their dogs are protected by getting them bordetella vaccinations.

Pneumonia in puppies is most often because of bacterial causes. Usually puppies catch pneumonia similarly to how humans catch colds. They get it by exposure to strong winds or extended sitting on cold or humid places. Pneumonia is often preceded by bronchitis or kennel cough. Aspiration pneumonia is a common lung infection in young puppies, especially abandoned pups. Because orphaned puppies are often overfed using tube methods, they're more at risk. Also, feeding tubes in wrong positions can also cause milk formula to enter the lungs, resulting in congestion and pneumonia.

Puppies can show the symptoms of colds. However, rather than what humans call a cold, it's most likely it's an upper respiratory infection. Canadian vet, Dr. Michael Goldberg, (See Resources) calls them bacterial "colds," contending that the typical "cold" contracted by dogs is a mix of the flu and bordetella virus. No puppy can actually catch what a human know as a cold. Often owners worry about their dogs catching colds or other illnesses from them. However, because the species are different, the virus for the common cold found in humans can't be spread to a dog, even though the symptoms are similar.

Symptoms suggesting a puppy may be suffering from a respiratory infection are sniffling, coughing, watery eyes, and a runny nose. A puppy's continuous licking is a definite symptom of an illness. Cleaning the nose with the tongue can also suggest an infection.

As a cold wet nose signals good health, a dry one often means a puppy is fighting a respiratory problem or other illness. However, because this is not totally accurate, it shouldn't be the only diagnosis for a problem.