At UrgentVet, we understand dogs inside and out – not just physically, but psychologically as well. We know what makes them comfortable. We know what makes them anxious and irritated. Because we understand our canine friends so well, our emergency veterinarian services can provide prompt, professional care with love and compassion. We’re commonly asked – can my dog catch a cold? The answer is yes. That doesn’t mean that human viruses can be spread to dogs, but dogs can still get their own version of a cold, called canine infectious respiratory disease.
Canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD) is often caused by a virus, which can then be compounded by a secondary bacterial infection. Most cases are a result of several different bacterial and viral agents working together, including:
- Parainfluenza
- Canine influenza
- Adenovirus-2
- Respiratory coronavirus
- Mycoplasma
- Herpesvirus-1
- Canine distemper
- Bordetella bronchiseptica
CIRD can be spread through direct, nose-to-nose contact or through indirect contact on fomites—items that aid in the transmission of the illness—including toys, food and water bowls, or bedding.
Not sure what to look for? Common signs include:
- Sneezing
- Eye or nasal discharge
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Decreased appetite
- Hacking
- Retching or gagging
If you do notice these symptoms, it’s important to contact us immediately. We’re here nights, weekends and holidays, providing convenient walk-in service for you and your dog. We treat cases that require immediate attention – but aren’t serious enough to require emergency hospitalization. In most cases, UrgentVet can diagnose and treat your dog’s problem in less than an hour.
You can protect your dog! CIRD can most often be prevented by following an appropriate vaccination protocol. While some illnesses cannot be completely prevented with vaccination—like influenza and Bordetella—their symptoms will be less severe and the duration of the illness will be shorter in vaccinated dogs vs. unvaccinated dogs.