If you are a German Shepherd’s (GSD) parent, then you already know some of the common diseases your pup is likely to suffer from. Such health complications include diabetes, pancreatitis, and cataracts, to mention a few. But given the wide range of viruses canines get exposed to, you might be wondering, can they catch a cold?
German Shepherds can catch a cold, just like humans. A cold in dogs is manifested by coughing, sniffing, and sneezing, and while not life-threatening, it’s often irritating and makes your canine uncomfortable. However, some cold symptoms may be signs of a serious underlying condition.
To help you learn more about colds in your canine friend, we’ve come up with this guide that details everything you need to know about German Shepherds with regard to catching a cold.
What Are The Common Signs And Symptoms Of A Cold In German Shepherds?
Colds in canines are very similar to those in humans, and there is no specific virus that takes the blame for this, which means that several viruses come together to give your pooch a cold. Additionally, parasites such as heartworms and roundworms, as well as fungal infections, can cause cold-like symptoms in your German Shepherd.
Cold symptoms will vary depending on the severity of the cold. At times, they might be linked to more serious health issues such as canine flu, canine influenza, kennel cough, and bronchitis, among others. Therefore, it’s advisable to always keep a close eye on your pooch so that you can detect any cold symptoms as soon as they appear.
If you want to know whether your canine friend has a cold, you will also look out for signs and symptoms similar to those exhibited by humans.
Some of the notable signs and symptoms of a canine cold include:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Blocked nose
- Watery eyes
- A runny nose
- Chest and nasal congestion
- Reduced appetite
- Mild fever
- Lethargy
Once you notice one or more of the above symptoms in your furry canine friend, you’ll want to contact your vet. Don’t use home remedies without talking with a vet, you may end up making the situation worse.
If the symptoms are attributed to more serious illnesses, your dog may not benefit from your home remedies, so you should first consult a vet before administering any treatment.
Treating Colds In German Shepherds
Your vet will perform a physical exam on your German Shepherd to gauge the severity of the infection. He will listen to your pup’s heart and lungs and may also conduct a series of diagnostic tests to rule out any serious illness.
In some cases, vets use fecal analysis, blood works, and radiographs to make a clearer diagnosis, as a good diagnosis forms the basis for a good treatment plan.
The treatment recommended for your GSD’s cold will depend on the underlying condition.
If the cold is linked to a more serious illness, the vet may recommend a treatment plan that includes antibiotics, cough suppressants, fluids, and enough rest. On the other hand, if it’s a mild cold, it may resolve away on its own. However, with mild colds, your vet may also recommend some home remedies.
Home Remedies Used In Treating Canine Colds
What home remedies can you use to treat your dog’s cold? As long as you get your Vet’s approval, here are four different remedies you could try:
Chicken Soup
Chicken soup is one of the healthiest broths effective in fighting colds in dogs, as it gives your dog the nutrition boost necessary to beat off the irritating cold.
It also keeps your pup hydrated. You can combine chicken soup with brown rice to make a healthier and hearty meal, which is also easy for your pup to eat and digest even when weak.
Increased Intake of Fluids and Vitamins C
Fluids are essential in keeping your pooch hydrated when he’s weak or if his appetite reduces. Additionally, vitamin C and multivitamin boosters act as immune boosters. For vitamin C, you can give your German Shepherd a slice of apple or some baby carrots.
Steam Inhalation Soothers
Steam relieves nasal congestion and irritation, improving your pup’s breathing. If you have a humidifier, you’ll want to set it up with a few drops of essential oils such as lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint oils for an extra soothing boost.
However, in its absence, you can simply run warm tap water in the bathroom then make your German Shepherd stand to inhale the warm steam for about ten minutes.
Give Your Pup Plenty of Time to Rest
Although your pup will be less active when fighting a cold, make sure he has enough time to rest. Ensure his resting area is clean and free of dust and other irritants and cover him with a blanket to keep him warm.
Other home remedy tips include:
- Limit the time your German Shepherd spends outside during cold weather.
- Add supplements such as honey, coconut oil, and cinnamon to his food, which help boost his immunity.
- Use a soothing balm to keep his nose from getting overly dry and irritated.
- Keep your pooch away from other canines with cold symptoms.
Knowing how to care for your canine friend suffering from a cold can go a long way in quickening his recovery. You should avoid getting your dog over-the-counter medicines without instructions from your vet.
Can Dogs Contract Cold From Humans?
Many dog parents ask this question because humans are prone to colds, and any dog parent would be worried about passing on their cold to their furry canine friends.
So, to clear all the myths revolving around this question, the answer is ‘NO.’
While the signs of cold in canines manifest in a similar way to those in humans, the chances of dogs getting cold from humans are extremely low. The strain of viruses that cause colds is species-specific, so the virus is virtually incapable of jumping from humans to canines.
Therefore, the next time you have a cold, don’t give your cuddly canine friend the cold shoulder for fear of transmitting the cold to him. Additionally, you can’t get cold from your canine friend. However, he can easily transmit the virus to other dogs within your house or the dog park.
Play it safe by isolating your German Shepherd from other dogs until he feels better.
Can You Prevent Your German Shepherd From Getting A Cold?
Unfortunately, there is no vaccine specially formulated for the common canine cold.
Luckily, you can reduce the chances of your favorite companion getting a cold by keeping him warm, giving him a nutritious meal, giving him multivitamin and immune boosters, and keeping his sleeping area clean. You should also keep him away from other dogs exhibiting cold-like symptoms.
Some conditions such as distemper, kennel cough, and canine influenza have vaccines, so you’ll need to keep your German Shepherd up to date with the vaccines to reduce his chances of contracting these illnesses.
You can talk to your veterinarian for advice on the necessary vaccines for your dog.
Final Thoughts
As a German Shepherd parent, it’s now clear that your canine companion can get a cold. However, this should not send chills down your spine, as it’s not a life-threatening illness. But to be safe, you should be aware of the symptoms to watch out for as well as the home remedies to adopt.
However, it’s important to consult a vet anytime you suspect that your GSD has a cold. A qualified vet will conduct a thorough diagnosis to rule out any serious underlying condition.