Can Dogs Catch a Cold?

4. Possible respiratory diseases

There are a few respiratory diseases that can look and sound very similar to a cold before they become more serious. Kennel cough is a common and highly infectious disease in dogs that can resemble a cold. This is more likely if your dog spends time boarding or around other dogs. It is usually treated with antibiotics, but if left untreated, it can be much more serious than a common cold. Listen for a dry, hacking cough along with cold symptoms. Another possible disease is Bronchitis. Though it starts with cold-like symptoms, it can cause difficulty breathing and coughing worsening to gaging and vomiting. When in doubt, call or visit your vet to ensure that the symptoms are not a sign of something more serious.