Can Dogs Catch a Cold?

5. Can humans and dogs share a cold?

Though human and dog cold symptoms are very similar, the viruses that affect dogs and humans are usually different. Cold viruses are almost always species-specific, meaning that human cold viruses will not get dogs sick and vice versa. This means that you don’t have to shy away from petting or cuddling your dog if either of you is sick. Though transmitting colds between you and your dog is unlikely, take proper precautionary measures like washing your hands if either you or your dog are sick.