As the cold and flu season approaches, pet owners often wonder if their pets can catch these illnesses too. The answer is yes - pets can indeed catch colds and flu, though the viruses that affect them are typically different from those that infect humans.
At Moor Cottage Vets, we aim to provide you with the knowledge to recognise, treat, and prevent colds and flu in your pets. Here’s what you need to know.
What does a cold or flu look like in pets?
Just like in humans, colds and flu in pets are caused by viruses. For dogs, the common cold is usually caused by canine adenovirus type 2, parainfluenza virus, or canine respiratory coronavirus. For cats, the primary culprits are feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus.
How do pets catch a cold or flu?
Pets typically catch a cold or get the flu through direct contact with an infected animal or contaminated objects. Viruses can be spread through sneezing, coughing, or sharing food and water bowls. Kennels, grooming salons, and pet daycare centres are common places where pets might pick up these infections.
Symptoms of colds and flu in pets
Recognising the symptoms of colds and flu in your pets is crucial for timely treatment. Here are some common symptoms to look out for:
Dogs:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Runny or congested nose
- Watery eyes
- Mild fever
- Lethargy
- Reduced appetite
Cats:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Coughing (less common in cats)
- Mouth ulcers (common with feline calicivirus)
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to contact Moor Cottage Vets for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Book your appointment with Moor Cottage Vets today
How to help your pet recover
- Provide a comfortable environment:
- Ensure your pet has a warm, quiet place to rest. Keeping them comfortable can help speed up their recovery.
- Use a humidifier to keep the air moist, which can help ease respiratory symptoms.
- Ensure adequate hydration:
- Encourage your pet to drink water. Dehydration can be a concern, especially if they have a fever or are not eating well.
- Offer broth or wet food to entice your pet to consume more fluids.
- Nutrient-rich diet:
- Provide a high-quality, nutritious diet to support their immune system. Warm up their food slightly to make it more appetising if they’re reluctant to eat.
- Limit physical activity:
- Allow your pet to rest as much as possible. Limiting exercise and playtime will help them conserve energy for healing.
- Medications:
- Never give your pet human medications, as they can be harmful. Follow the treatment plan prescribed by Moor Cottage Vets, which may include antiviral medications or antibiotics for secondary infections.
Preventing colds and flu in pets
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to help keep your pet healthy:
- Vaccinations:
- Ensure your pet is up to date on their vaccinations. Vaccines for canine flu, feline herpesvirus, and feline calicivirus are available and can help reduce the risk of these infections.
Did you know..? Vaccinations are included on our Pet Health for Life Plan! Find out more here.
Book an appointment with Moor Cottage Vets to keep your pet’s vaccinations current
- Maintain good hygiene:
- Regularly clean your pet’s bedding, toys, and food bowls to prevent the spread of viruses.
- Practice good personal hygiene, such as washing your hands after handling other animals, to reduce the risk of spreading germs to your pet.
- Avoid infected animals:
- If you know of other pets that are sick, try to keep your pet away from them until they have fully recovered.
- Healthy lifestyle:
- Keep your pet’s immune system strong with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine check-ups with Moor Cottage Vets.
When to seek veterinary care
While mild colds can often be managed at home, severe symptoms or prolonged illness warrant a visit to Moor Cottage Vets. If your pet exhibits any of the following, seek veterinary care immediately:
- Persistent coughing or sneezing
- High fever
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe lethargy
- Refusal to eat or drink for more than 24 hours
- Symptoms lasting longer than a week
If your pet is displaying any of these symptoms, particularly during the colder seasons, speak to our veterinary team today and seek an appointment for your pet with us at Moor Cottage Vets.
