Symptoms of a Dog Having a Cold

Okay, so your furry best friend isn’t their usual bouncy self, giving you that look that says, “Hey, something’s just off.” You start wondering, “Can dogs even get colds like we do?” Yeah, they absolutely can, or at least, they can catch respiratory infections that present symptoms very much like our common cold. And believe me, when you see your happy-go-lucky pup looking miserable, your heart just sinks, right? You immediately start scanning them head-to-toe, trying to figure out what’s wrong. So, what are those tell-tale signs, those little red flags (or maybe snot-colored flags, sorry) that say, “Yep, pretty sure Fido’s got a cold”?

The absolute most common symptom, the one you’ll probably notice first, is the sneezing. Not just a single, dust-induced “achoo,” but often multiple sneezes, sometimes forceful, sometimes little sniffly ones. It’s like their nose is trying to expel some unwanted guest. You might see their little nose wrinkle up, and then… atchoo! atchoo! It can be quite sudden and alarming if you’re not expecting it. It’s their body’s way of trying to clear their nasal passages, just like ours. Watching my own dog, a big goofy lab mix, sneeze is a sight – his whole body kind of lurches with it. It’s cute in a pathetic, “oh buddy, you okay?” kind of way.

Closely following the sneezing, or sometimes happening at the same time, is a runny nose. This is where things can get a bit messy. Initially, it might just be clear, watery discharge, like they’ve been running in the cold air. But as the cold progresses, that discharge can thicken and change color. You might see white, yellow, or even greenish mucus. Yes, it’s as delightful as it sounds. It can crust up around their nostrils, making them look even more forlorn. You’ll probably find yourself wiping their nose more often than usual, trying to keep them comfortable and, frankly, less gross-looking. It’s a clear sign their respiratory system is fighting something off.

Then there’s the coughing. Now, this is one symptom that can make you really sit up and pay attention, because a cough in a dog can mean a few different things, some more serious than a simple cold. But a cold-related cough is usually a dry, hacking cough, sometimes described as sounding like a goose honk, although that’s more characteristic of kennel cough. Still, any persistent cough warrants attention. It’s like they’ve got a tickle in their throat they just can’t get rid of. My old terrier mix used to get this dry little cough that sounded almost like he was trying to clear his throat after swallowing water the wrong way, only it just kept coming back. It’s a sound that pulls at your heartstrings. You worry if it’s going down to their chest, if it’s something deeper.

Along with the nasal symptoms, you’ll likely notice changes in their eyes. Watery eyes are common, sometimes looking a bit bloodshot or irritated. In some cases, you might even see a little discharge from the eyes, similar to the nasal discharge, maybe a clear goo or something a bit thicker. Their eyes might just look… sadder, duller than usual. The sparkle is gone. They might be rubbing at their face more. It’s all part of that general feeling of being under the weather, impacting the whole upper respiratory tract.

Beyond the more obvious physical signs, the biggest indicator that your dog is unwell is often a change in their behavior. Lethargy is huge. Your dog, who usually greets you at the door with tail-wags that could knock you over, is suddenly just… lying there. They’re sleeping more than usual, less interested in playtime, walks, or their favorite toys. They might be reluctant to get up, moving slowly when they do. Their energy levels plummet. It’s like all their usual zest for life is temporarily paused. This lack of usual enthusiasm is often the very first thing that makes you think, “Wait a minute, something’s not right.” They just don’t have that spring in their step.

Coupled with lethargy, you might notice a loss of appetite. Food, glorious food! Usually, the highlight of their day, suddenly holds no appeal. They might turn their nose up at their kibble, ignore treats they usually go crazy for, or just pick at their food half-heartedly. This is because when they’re feeling congested and achy, food just isn’t that interesting, and their sense of smell might be affected too, making food less appealing. It’s worrying to see them not eat, isn’t it? Especially if they’re usually food-motivated beyond belief. It’s a sure sign they are genuinely not feeling well.

While you probably won’t be sticking a thermometer up your dog’s backside (unless you’re my vet!), they can get a mild fever with a cold. You might notice they feel warmer than usual, their ears might be hot, or their nose might feel dry and warm (though a warm nose isn’t a definitive sign of fever, contrary to popular belief). They might even shiver a little, even if the room isn’t cold. These are subtle signs, perhaps things you only notice because you’re already concerned about their other symptoms. Any significant fever usually indicates something more than just a simple cold, though, so it’s worth keeping in mind.

Beyond these specific symptoms, there’s just a general sense of malaise. They’re just “off.” Not themselves. They might be clingier than usual, seeking comfort, or they might want to be left alone. They might seem a little achy or uncomfortable. You know your dog best. You know their normal quirks, their routines, their energy levels. When they deviate significantly from that norm, especially with the addition of sneezing, coughing, or a runny nose, a cold (or similar upper respiratory infection) is a strong possibility.

Now, here’s the critical part, the part that keeps you up at night scrolling through dog forums and symptom checkers: differentiating a simple dog cold from something more serious. Because let’s be honest, while a human cold is usually just annoying, something like kennel cough, canine influenza (dog flu), or even bronchitis can have similar initial symptoms but require veterinary treatment. Kennel cough, for example, is notorious for that loud, honking cough. Canine flu often involves fever, lethargy, and respiratory signs. Allergies can cause sneezing and runny eyes, but usually not lethargy or cough.

This is why, as a pet owner, you become an amateur detective, constantly observing. You watch how they cough, what color the nasal discharge is, how long the lethargy lasts. But you must remember, you are not a veterinarian. And while observing is crucial, making a definitive diagnosis based on Dr. Google is never a good idea. My vet has always stressed this. Mild symptoms that clear up in a few days? Maybe just a common cold virus working its way through. But if symptoms are severe, persist for more than a week, get worse, if your dog has trouble breathing, stops eating completely, seems genuinely distressed, or has a high fever (signs like significant shivering, rapid breathing, feeling very hot to the touch), you need to call the vet. Like, yesterday. Don’t mess around.

Think of it this way: their immune system is fighting. They need rest, comfort, and perhaps a little extra care. Keep them warm and dry. Make sure they have easy access to fresh water – staying hydrated is important, especially if they’re a bit feverish or congested. Offer tempting food if they’re off their feed – maybe a little plain boiled chicken and rice, something easy on the tummy and appealing. Use a pet-safe wipe to gently clean away nasal and eye discharge. Just be there for them. Your presence and reassurance mean a lot when they’re feeling poorly.

The whole experience of your dog having a cold, even a mild one, is a reminder of how vulnerable they are, and how much they rely on us. You see that typically vibrant creature looking small and pathetic, curled up in their bed, and all you want to do is take it away. You fuss over them, you worry, you adjust your schedule to be home more. It’s part of that unspoken contract of love and care you entered into the moment they became part of your family.

So, to recap the key symptoms: watch out for repeated sneezing, a runny nose (especially if the discharge changes from clear to colored), a dry cough, watery or goopy eyes, unusual lethargy and low energy, a diminished or absent appetite, and potentially a mild fever. These signs, especially when they appear together, paint a pretty clear picture that your dog is battling a cold-like illness. Be observant, be comforting, and when in doubt, always consult your veterinarian. They are the experts who can correctly diagnose the issue and ensure your beloved companion gets the right care, whether it’s just rest and chicken soup (figuratively speaking!) or something more. Seeing them back to their happy, tail-wagging self is the best feeling in the world.