The season of flu and other viruses is knocking on our doors so we can often hear from dog owners the question: ‘Can dogs catch a cold? ‘ The truth is that dogs can get a cold but in quite different way than humans. Our Frenchies can get respiratory infections that are followed by similar symptoms, however, they can’t transmit the cold to us and vice versa.
Can French bulldogs get the flu?
Yes, Frenchies can get the flu but only the canine type. They can be spread between dogs and the symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Lethargy
- Loss of energy
- Coughing
- Fever
- Lack of appetite
- Diarrhea (in some cases)
Dog flu is a scary thought, but luckily for you and your Frenchie, it’s not as bad. If you’ve spent time with an infected dog, there may be the possibility that you could carry this virus home too! To escape this issue, it’s important to change clothes after interacting with another pup (or any animal). That’s how you’ll prevent transmitting the disease to your pup. Hand washing is also important since these body parts play the most important role in defense against viruses.
When we talk about cold, we think about different types of viruses. All these viruses cause similar symptoms such as sneezing and sore throat with other milder ones like runny eyes or nose too! Rhinovirus is the most common type of viruses in people that causes more than 50% of colds.
How can I tell if my Frenchie has a cold?
Since Frenchies are prone to breathing issues, their owners shouldn’t wait long but take them to vets from the first noticed symptom. A Frenchie who is having a runny nose and deals with coughing will also experience breathing issues. As you can guess, prolonged exposure to lack of air during breathing will cause additional strain on the heart and lungs. If you leave it untreated, your Frenchie can even develop pneumonia which is one of the most serious conditions.
You’ll know there’s something wrong with your Frenchie if he/she shows a lack of appetite, has a fever, diarrhea, and coughing. Sometimes, a dog won’t sneeze but will have pale gums, a dry nose, and sunken eyes. Whatever symptoms you notice, it’s important to consult your vet to get the appropriate treatment.
Does my Frenchie have flu, cold, or a kennel cough?
People often mix symptoms of flu and cold with kennel cough. However, the kennel couch is the name for infectious bronchitis which affects their respiratory system and leads to coughing. A strong ‘honking’ sound is the most obvious symptom of this disease, as well as sneezing, loss of appetite, and runny nose. Since signs of all three conditions look similar at first glance, early treatment is highly important.
When we talk about canine influenza (flu), it is followed by cough, runny nose, fever, lethargy, eye discharge, and reduced appetite, but not all dogs will show signs of illness. The symptoms will much depend on the dog’s immunity. While some pooches will show mild symptoms, others can result in pneumonia and even death.
Even though you can’t prevent your Frenchie from getting a cold, kennel cough can be prevented by vaccination. Besides, one of the ways is keeping your batpig away from other animals, unknown dogs, and dirty parks.
Hygiene plays an important role in keeping your furry friend healthy. Therefore, regularly clean your French bulldog’s bed, paws, and make sure you stick to a vaccination schedule.