Can You Catch Pneumonia From A Dog

What Is Infectious Pneumonia

Infectious pneumonia is the most common type of pneumonia in dogs. The condition is caused by a bacterial or viral infection in your dogs airways.

One of the bacteria most commonly linked to infectious pneumonia in dogs is bordetella bronchiseptica, and it can easily be transmitted between dogs very young or senior dogs with a compromised immune system.

Limit Contact With Others

One of the best things you can do when recovering from pneumonia is to limit your contact with others. As weve learned throughout the COVID-19 pandemicwhich can cause viral pneumoniastaying at least six feet away from others reduces the amount of viral or bacterial content they are exposed to as you breathe or talk.

The Common Cold And The Flu

While humans and animals are both capable of developing symptoms that are typically associated with the common cold, the good news is that the likelihood of a person transmitting the illness to a dog is extremely low. Coates says, in almost every case, the viruses that cause cold-like symptoms in people and dogs are species-specific. Colds in both dogs and people generally resolve on their own, but if symptoms worsen or fail to improve, its best to see your doctor .

As far as transmission goes, the same cant necessarily be said for the flu. While most of the medical community has long believed that the flu cannot be passed from human to animal, recent cases have shown that the adaptable nature of the flu may very well mean that some strains can indeed be passed from humans to other animals, including dogs. In truth though, the risk of this occurring is still extremely small . While some pet owners might swear that their dog came down with the sniffles shortly after they did, this is most likely a coincidence.

The good news is that while your family should keep their distance from you while youre suffering with the latest cold or flu bug, you can still curl up with your dog for comfort and emotional supportand the same goes for when your dog is feeling under the weather.

Image:Fly dragonfly/Thinkstock

Don’t Miss: Can Vaping Give You Pneumonia

Signs Of A Cold In Dogs And Cats

Common cold symptoms in pets include:

• Sneezing
• Clear or colored nasal discharge
• Wheezing
• Fever

These symptoms could be the signs of a cold, but could also be signs of a more serious condition. If any of your pets are experiencing these symptoms, contact your veterinarian. While a mild cold is most likely not a cause for concern, its important to rule out any other underlying issues that may be at play.

Also noteworthy is that although your pets may recover just fine, URIs are generally extremely contagious. If your pet has any signs of being ill, its best to keep them home so they dont infect other animals.

Is Kennel Cough Dangerous Or Life

While a nuisance, kennel cough is not normally dangerous and is likely to need no treatment at all. But in puppies, elderly dogs or those with existing illnesses, the condition can be more serious and can develop into pneumonia. Depending on the germs which have caused the virus, some strains of the infection can also be more severe than others.

Don’t Miss: Signs Or Symptoms Of Pneumonia

Is Pneumonia Contagious In Dogs

As with canine influenza, you’re not likely to contract pneumonia from your dog. However, bacterial and viral pneumonia can be transmitted easily between dogs, especially if they are very young, older, or have a compromised immune system. If you have multiple dogs in the home, you will need to separate the healthy ones from your sick pooch.

You should also thoroughly clean all bedding, bowls, and gear, such as leashes, collars, and harnesses, to help avoid spreading the disease. In addition, be sure to wash your hands after handling your sick dog and consider wearing a protective garment over your clothing to help avoid spreading the disease that way.

Can I Get Covid From My Dog

OK, so we said COVID-19 is zoonotic, which means it can be transmitted from an animal to a human. And it is possible that your dog could get COVID.

Does that mean your dog could actually be the one giving you COVID? Well, once again the chances are pretty low, Kong says.

We still dont have sufficient data to say it for sure, but based on what we know now, there are low chances your family dog can transmit COVID to humans, she explains.

If by chance your dog does get a COVID diagnosis, you should follow the same sort of quarantine rules that apply to humans:

• Isolate your dog.
• Follow the same social distancing rules that apply to people in the home
• Avoid dog parks, dog kennels and mixing your dog with other animals and humans.
• Practice good hygiene wash your hands well before and after petting your dog, feeding them, etc.
• Wear personal protective equipment when interacting with a sick dog.

Just as you would if you were sick with COVID-19 yourself, youll also have to simply steer clear of your pooch, says Dr. Linda Simon, a veterinarian with Five Barks. As hard as it will be, limit contact and avoid cuddles or kisses during this time, she advises.

Also Check: Pneumonia Vaccine 65 And Older

Symptoms Of Kennel Cough In Humans

In studies where the kennel cough pathogen was confirmed to be responsible for the infection, symptoms often included:

• a sore, inflamed throat
• a dry, persistent cough similar to whooping cough
• other symptoms common to respiratory tract infections

In some cases, the symptoms were quite severe. Some of the patients died due to complications associated with the infection.

It is important to remember that in most documented cases, those who became infected with bordetella were already suffering from other serious, long-term illnesses and were immunosuppressed. As such, their symptoms were likely more severe and harder to treat than if a healthy person was infected.

If you are suffering from these symptoms or have been in contact with a sick animal and suspect you may have contracted kennel cough, consult your GP. Definitely contact your GP if you are suffering with a chronic illness and may already be immunocompromised.

Costs Of Treating Pneumonia In Dogs

Antibiotics or other required medications can cost anywhere between $50 and $150. If your dog is severely dehydrated from the vomiting fluid therapy may be prescribed which alongside oxygen support can cost around $130. If your dog is hospitalized, the total cost of treatment for pneumonia in dogs can be between $500 and $2000. However, without knowing the cause, it is difficult to know the complete cost, so be sure to ask your vet about what treatment options are best for your dog’s diagnosis. The best way to keep costs low and manageable is to catch pneumonia early, so seek consultation with your vet if you suspect your dog may be suffering from a pneumonia infection.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet’s condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

Read Also: What Is The Vaccine For Pneumonia Called

Is There A Treatment For Kennel Cough

In most cases, dogs will recover from kennel cough without treatment within three weeks, but it can sometimes linger for anything up to six weeks. To aid recovery, make sure your home is well ventilated and avoid using a collar and lead, as any pulling might aggravate the wind pipe further a harness is a better option on walks. Should treatment be given, antibiotics can kill the Bordetella bacteria the most common present in kennel cough cases. Cough suppressants and anti-inflammatories can also be given to make your pet a bit more comfortable as they make a natural recovery.

What Does A Dog Coughing Sound Like

The most obvious symptom of kennel cough is a forceful, hacking cough, which will often sound like your dog has something stuck in their throat. The cough can be dry and hoarse or productive, in which case it can be followed by a gag, swallowing motion or the production of mucus. It is distinct from a cough-like sound known as reverse sneezing, which is common in certain breeds and is triggered by irritation in the throat. This sound can often be mistaken for a cough, choking fit, sneezing, retching or gasping for breath.

Don’t Miss: How To Build Your Lungs Up After Pneumonia

Signs Of Pneumonia In Dogs

Dogs with pneumonia will often display signs similar to people when they have this condition. Signs of pneumonia in dogs include:

• Lethargy
• Green, yellow or bloody mucus coming from the nose or after a cough
• Loss of appetite
• Blue, grey or purple mucus membranes
• Hyperventilating

Mucus membranes can become tinged with purple, grey or blue if oxygenation is extremely poor. Lethargy and fatigue are also common symptoms. Because a dog wont be able to smell its food and wont feel well, he may experience lack or loss of appetite.

Are Dog Respiratory Infections Contagious

The infection is normally caused by a virus or bacteria and is comparable to a chest cold in a person, ranging from minor to severe. A dog with an respiratory disease will often improve on its own in one to three weeks. Respiratory infections are highly contagious. They can travel through the air or direct contact.

Read Also: When Should I Get Pneumonia Shot

Can You Make Your Dog Sick

Some of the best things about pet ownership involve sharing. We share our love and affection, prime real estate on the bed or couch, and even our meals. Unfortunately, another thing we share with our pets can be unwanted visitors in the form of germs and infection. Animals can pass a multitude of diseases to humans in a process called zoonosis.

In recent years, the advance of swine flu, bird flu and other animal-borne diseases have revealed just how serious this problem can be. Whats lesser known, and even lesser studied, is the prospect of reverse zoonosis, which involves the passing of disease from humans to animals.

While less prevalent than disease transmission in the other direction, we can indeed make our dogs sick. Here are some diseases you can give your dog, and a few you cant.

Image:Digital Vision/Thinkstock

What Can I Catch From My Dog

Anyone whos watched their dog go through a bout of diarrhea or the sniffles has probably wondered if they, too, were at risk of getting sick. So, can you get sick from your dog? The answer is yes. There are a number of diseases you can contract from your pet, and they are known broadly as zoonotic diseases. The word zoonotic is used to designate any disease that is transmitted from animals to humans. The best known and most feared example of a zoonotic disease is rabies. Other common zoonotic diseases in dogs include:

• Ringworm
• Harvest mites

Yikes! Is my dog really that risky?Now for the good news: although its possible to catch a zoonotic disease thats been bothering your pup, its not likely. That being said, your chance of contracting a zoonotic illness does increase if you have a compromised immune system due to a pre-existing disease or medical condition. Examples include:

• Persons infected with HIV or suffering from AIDS
• Pregnant women
• Patients being treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• Elderly people
• People with chronic diseases or congenital immune system deficiency
• People who have received organ/bone marrow transplants

Prevention

The best way to reduce or eliminated your risk of contracting zoonotic diseases from your dog is simple and boils down to hygiene and common sense. Here are some more specific suggestions:

Read Also: How Do You Get Double Pneumonia

How Long Does It Take For A Cat To Recover From Pneumonia

Whether your pet was hospitalized or was able to be treated at home, it will take about two to three weeks for your pets lungs to fully recover from a bout of pneumonia. During this recovery period, your veterinarian will have your pet on antibiotics and will instruct you to restrict your pets activity level.

What Are Symptoms Of Infectious Pneumonia In Dogs

If your dog is suffering from infectious pneumonia, one or more of the following symptoms may appear:

• Difficulty breathing

• Irregular breathing
• Dehydration

If your dog has been diagnosed with infectious pneumonia, youll want to keep your ill dog away from other household pets and wash bedding, collars, leashes and bowls frequently to avoid spreading the condition.

Also wash your hands immediately after handling or petting a dog with infectious pneumonia.

Recommended Reading: How Long Can A Cough Last After Pneumonia

Viral & Bacterial Infectious Pneumonia In Dogs

The most common type of pneumonia in dogs is infectious pneumonia . This form of pneumonia is caused by a viral or bacterial infection in the dog’s respiratory system.

One of the bacteria most commonly linked to infectious pneumonia in dogs is Bordetella bronchiseptica. This bacteria can easily be transmitted between dogs that have compromised immune systems, or dogs that are very young or old.

Symptoms of Bacterial Pneumonia in Dogs

• Breathing difficulties

• Lethargy
• Weight loss or loss of appetite

Symptoms of pneumonia should never be ignored. If you notice that your dog is displaying any of the symptoms listed above, contact your primary care veterinarian to schedule an examination for your pup. Be sure to let your vet know that you think your dog may have bacterial pneumonia when you call.

Pneumonia In Dogs Home Treatment

When returning home, your vet will provide you with specific instructions on caring for your dog during their recovery. Typical pneumonia in dogs treatment includes:

• Restricting your dog’s activities while they recover.
• Keeping other pets and small children away from your dog in order in order to allow them to get plenty of rest.
• A consistent supply of fresh water to help keep them hydrated.
• Making sure they eat, even if they are not enthusiastic to accept food. Pneumonia often makes dogs food averse but it is important to make sure they get the nutrients they need.
• Treating your dog with a steam treatment by running a hot shower while you sit with your dog in the bathroom or shower room.

You May Like: Does The Pneumonia Shot Work

Are There Any Risk Factors For Developing Bacterial Pneumonia

Any disease or condition that affects the respiratory tract can predispose a dog to developing bacterial pneumonia. Some risk factors include conditions that cause difficulty swallowing or problems with regurgitation such as laryngeal paralysis, megaesophagus, cleft palate, chronic vomiting, altered states of consciousness, and tumors of the respiratory system.

Dogs with an immune system disease or those that are on immunosuppressive drugs are at an increased risk of bacterial pneumonia, as are dogs with severe metabolic disorders such as kidney failure, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, Cushing’s disease, or Addison’s disease.

Precautions When Adopting Or Buying A Pet

If you’re adopting or buying a pet, make sure the breeder, shelter, or store has a good reputation and vaccinates all of its animals. A reputable breeder should belong to a national or local breeding club, such as the American Kennel Club. Contact the Humane Society of the United States or your veterinarian for information about animal shelters in your area.

As soon as you choose a family pet, take it to a local veterinarian for vaccinations and a physical exam. Don’t forget to routinely vaccinate your pet on a schedule recommended by your vet this will keep your pet healthy and reduce the risk that infections will spread to your kids.

You’ll also want to regularly feed your pet nutritious animal food and provide plenty of fresh water. Avoid feeding your pet raw meat because this can be a source of infection, and do not allow your pet to drink toilet water because infections can be spread through saliva, urine, and feces.

Limit young kids’ contact with outdoor pets that hunt and kill for food because a pet that ingests infected meat may get an infection that can be passed to people.

Read Also: Best Things To Do When You Have Pneumonia

What Are Symptoms Of Aspiration Pneumonia In Dogs

Aspiration pneumonia can act similar to infectious bacterial pneumonia. The following are signs of aspiration pneumonia in dogs:

• Coughing

However, aspiration pneumonia can also lead to other symptoms, including:

• Altered mood
• Frequent regurgitation
• Bluish-colored skin

If your dog displays any of these signs, contact your vet right away to book an appointment. Early detection, diagnosis and treatment may help to prevent more severe symptoms from developing. Once symptoms grow more severe, they can be more challenging to treat.

Sick As A Dog: Can You Catch A Cold From Your Pet

Written by chris

The simple answer to this question is yes, but it is extremely rare.

If you and your cat or dog are both sick at the same time, you may think you caught a cold from your pet, or vice versa. Some symptoms are certainly similar. An Upper Respiratory Infection , usually referred to in humans as the common cold, is caused by any number of different viruses. However, the viruses that cause cold-like symptoms in humans, dogs, and cats rarely jump from one species to another.

Also Check: How Do I Know If I Have Pneumonia Or Bronchitis

What Can I Do To Help My Dog Recover From Pneumonia

Specific instructions for caring for your dog as they recover from pneumonia will be provided by your vet, and may include:

• Restricting your dog’s activities
• Keeping other pets and small children away in order for your dog to rest
• Supplying plenty of fresh water to help keep your pet hydrated
• Providing your dog with a steam treatment by running a hot shower while you sit with your dog in the bathroom

NOTE: Bacterial pneumonia – If your dog has been diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia it’s a good idea to keep your unwell pup away from other pets in the household, as well as to wash bedding, bowls, collars and leashes frequently to help avoid spreading the disease. Be sure to also wash your hands immediately after petting or handling a dog with infectious pneumonia.