Can Dogs Catch a Cold?

3. When is a cold not a cold?

Some more serious conditions can initially manifest with simple cold symptoms. Conditions such as distemper, canine influenza, parasites, or fungal infections can be the culprit of a dog’s cold symptoms. Dogs can also get allergies just like humans, so if a dog starts exhibiting cold-like symptoms, check for sign of an allergic reaction like skin irritation, rashes, or inflammation. If they are scratching, chewing, or rubbing along with their sneezing and runny nose, it may be seasonal or environmental allergies.