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-Meet our adoptable dog of the day

-Enjoy a laugh with our dog meme of the day

-Get great information in our featured article

-Take our action of the week

-Check out our family photo of the day

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Can You Catch a Cold from Your Dog?

It's a pretty common occurrence in my household. The dog races up to me and sneezes directly into my face. But before I wonder if my dog is sick, I often wonder if I can get sick from that doggie sneeze.

It’s one of the most common questions pet parents ask, especially during the sniffle-heavy winter months. Can your furry best friend pass their cold right on to you?

The Short Answer: No, You're Safe!

Here is the comforting news you’ve been hoping for: You cannot catch a cold from your dog, and your dog cannot catch a cold from you.

While both humans and dogs get respiratory infections that we colloquially call "colds," the biological culprits behind them are completely different. Viruses are famously picky about their hosts. The specific strains of viruses that cause common colds in humans (like rhinoviruses or human influenza) aren’t built to infect canine cells.

Likewise, the bugs that make dogs sneeze and cough are strictly specialized for dogs.

What’s Actually Making Your Pup Sick?

If your dog is hacking, sneezing, or has a runny nose, they aren't suffering from human flu—they likely have something known in the vet world as Infectious Canine Respiratory Disease Complex (ICRDC), more commonly called Kennel Cough.

Kennel cough isn't caused by just one virus or bacterium; it’s a mix of culprits, including:

• Bordetella bronchiseptica (a very common bacterium)
• Canine adenovirus
• Canine parainfluenza virus

These germs spread easily from dog to dog at the park, doggy daycare, or groomer through airborne droplets or shared water bowls. But rest assured, none of these are looking to make a home in human lungs.

Are There Any Germs We Can Share?

While you don't have to worry about a canine cold, it’s worth noting that dogs and humans can share a few other illnesses. These are called zoonotic diseases.

The most well-known shared infections include:

• Ringworm: A fungal infection (not a worm!) that causes itchy, circular rashes and transfers easily through skin-to-skin or fur contact.
• Salmonella and E. coli: Bacteria that can be passed from pet food, treats, or improper hand-washing after picking up waste.
• Rabies: A deadly viral disease that affects the nervous system of all mammals, which is why keeping your dog's vaccinations up-to-date is so critical.
• Giardia: A microscopic parasite found in contaminated water sources that can cause gastrointestinal distress in both pets and people.

These sound a bit spooky, but simple habits—like washing your hands after playtime, keeping up with vet checkups, and maintaining good household hygiene—keep the risk exceptionally low.

How to Help Your Sniffling Pup Feel Better

If your dog is under the weather, they still need plenty of love and TLC! Keep an eye on their symptoms and try these comfort tips:

• Skip the human meds: Never give your dog over-the-counter human cold medications (like ibuprofen or cold syrups) without direct instruction from your veterinarian. Many human drugs are toxic to dogs.
• Swap the collar for a harness: If your dog has a hacking cough, a traditional collar can put pressure on their trachea and irritate their throat further. Switch to a walking harness temporarily.
• Create a steam room: Bring your dog into the bathroom with you while you take a steamy shower. The warm, moist air can help break up congestion in their little nose.
• Call the vet: If your dog seems lethargic, stops eating, or has a heavy, productive cough, a quick trip to the clinic will ensure they get the right treatment (sometimes antibiotics or cough suppressants are needed).

Snuggle Up Without Worry

So, the next time your pup lets out a sneeze, you can rest easy. They might need a little extra TLC and a trip to the vet, but your immune system is completely safe. Go ahead and give them that well-deserved chin scratch—just maybe grab a tissue for them and a quick wipe for your hands afterward!

Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

• FI - Pet Supplements: Potential Salmonella Contamination
• Northwest Naturals - Chicken Recipe: Potential Salmonella and/or Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination
• Fromm - Wet Canned Dog Food: Potential Metal Contamination
• Oma's Pride - Canine Food: Contaminated with Salmonella

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We want to feature your pup!

We want to share your pup with our pack. Email us your favorite doggy pic or video with your pup’s name, and we'll try to feature it as a family photo in one of our upcoming newsletters or on our Facebook page.