Can Dogs Catch A Cold From Being Outside In The Winter?
December 12, 2019
As soon as there’s a blanketing of snow on the ground, your dog will be itching to get outside to romp and play – and what better fun! As long as your dog is protected from the elements with coats and boots, then the cold, wet, winter weather shouldn’t be a problem. But that doesn’t mean that your dog can’t get sick from being out in the cold for too long.
Winter sets the ideal stage for all animals to get sick and that includes your beloved dogs. Humans get more colds and viruses during the winter months than at any other time of the year. Cold temperatures can put a lot of stress on your immune system and the same is true of your dogs.
This is why special care is needed during the winter months for puppies, senior dogs and canines in ill health who already have compromised or delicate immune systems. Monitor time spent outdoors and make sure these precious creatures are bundled up.
Common Canine Types of the Cold Virus
If your dog starts showing signs of poor health after being outside, it could signal some kind of cold virus. Symptoms are almost identical to humans, and include:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Congestion
- Coughing
- Low energy
If your dog shows three or more of these symptoms, then you’ll need to get them to the vet’s office right away. If he or she has contracted a virus, say from another dog in the off-leash park, then they’ll need a course of antibiotics to make them better.
Common canine types of the cold virus include:
- Canine adenovirus type 2
- Canine respiratory coronavirus
- Canine parainfluenza virus (vaccinations are available and advised)
- Bordetella bronchiseptica (or kennel cough)
If your does become sick with a cold, treat him or her the same way you would a human. Keep them warm, feed them plenty of fluids (clear, unseasoned chicken broth will entice them to keep hydrated), and use a humidifier to help ease their breathing and congestion.
Stay warm and enjoy the snow!