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Do cats and dogs get colds?
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Photo by Gabriel N. Wardwell
Cold and flu season is clearly upon us here in the Hudson Valley. Two questions that often come up this time of year are: Do dogs and cats get colds? And are they contagious to humans?
It is not uncommon this time of year to notice your dog or cat with a runny nose and some sneezing. Frequently, when a pet is fighting a cold, you’ll see discharge from the eyes. In a pet with an otherwise healthy immune system, these signs tend to be mild and self-limiting. As for human risk, most people are surprised to hear that pets are more likely to pick up cold and flu viruses from us than we are from them. You may have recently read about the cat who contracted the H1N1 virus from her owners.
Still, it can be difficult to differentiate between sniffles and something more serious. Your veterinarian can help you determine if your pet needs some extra fluids and extra love or more aggressive diagnostics and treatment. Here are some points you may discuss with your vet:
• When the heat kicks on for the first time of the season, a lot of dust and debris that has been accumulating in the vents during the warmer months is kicked up. This causes physical irritation to the eyes as well as aggravation of allergies.
• Allergies are another cause of “goopy eyes” that show up this time of year. Many pets are allergic to house dust mites. If they spend much time outdoors during the spring, summer and fall, the symptoms tend to be worse in the winter, when they are exposed to dust for longer periods of time. Dust allergy symptoms are not a sign of poor housekeeping. In an allergic pet, it only takes a minute amount of dust to cause significant symptoms. Most holistic veterinarians spend a lot of time working with pets who suffer from environmental allergies and are a great resource for discussing an integrative approach to this chronic nuisance.
• Corneal ulcers are another cause of eye irritation. Be suspicious and seek immediate medical attention if the symptoms are unilateral, your pet seems to be in pain, squints or paws at the eye or has a history of trauma. Your vet will place a medical stain in the eyes to test for ulcers. If the dye does not wash out, it will outline the ulcer and treatment will be initiated. This condition, if left untreated can have severe consequences.
Take care, stay warm and don’t forget to talk to your veterinarian about how to boost your pet’s immune system with good nutrition and herbal supplements this cold and flu season.
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