From time to time you may find yourself asking what to do when your dog has a cold.  He has developed a runny nose, cough, and sneezing and you think it must be a cold.  However, dogs are not like humans and their cold-like symptoms are more likely a sign of respiratory illness caused by a canine-specific virus or bacterium.

Some of the most common reasons your dog may be suffering cold like symptoms include para-influenza, adenovirus type-2, kennel cough, and canine distemper.

• Para-influenza is very common and highly contagious among dogs.  Para-influenza is a virus that causes dogs to have a chronic cough but most dogs today are vaccinated against this pervasive virus.
• Adenovirus Type-2 is one of the leading contributors to kennel cough which is most often confused for a doggy cold.  While there are vaccines for this virus, it is not yet possible to completely prevent infection.  Still, adenovirus type-2 vaccinations can drastically reduce the severity of illness that dogs suffer when they are infected.
• Kennel Cough can also be caused by canine-specific bacteria such as Bordetella bronchiseptica.  This condition presents as a rasping, chronic cough accompanied by phlegm as well as discharge from the nose and eyes.  While kennel cough is known to resolve itself, unless your dog is also immuno-suppressed.  In severe cases, kennel cough may develop into pneumonia which can be life threatening.
• Canine Distemper is a serious and very contagious disease caused by a virus that is spread through the air.  Dogs should be vaccinated for canine distemper because it is a serious illness that often ends in fatality.

If you suspect your dog is suffering from any of these conditions or you notice cold-like symptoms, you should visit your veterinarian immediately.  In the majority of cases, treatment is effective and sometimes even life saving.