What Illnesses Can Dogs Get?

Dogs can get many of the same kinds of illnesses that people do, from mild bugs like colds and stomach upsets to serious, long-term conditions such as cancer, diabetes and kidney disease. Some are contagious and spread between dogs, some are caught from the environment, and a few can even pass between dogs and people.

Explore our guides below for a clear answer on each illness, its symptoms, how it spreads, and what you can do to help your dog recover.

Can Dogs Catch Illnesses From Humans?

Good news for worried owners: the vast majority of human illnesses do not spread to dogs, and most dog illnesses do not spread to people. The handful that can cross over are called zoonotic diseases, and they include things like certain salmonella infections, ringworm and, very rarely, some influenza strains. Simple hygiene, such as washing your hands and keeping food areas clean, keeps the risk low for everyone in the household.

When to See a Vet

Because dogs are good at hiding when they feel unwell, it helps to know the warning signs. Call your vet if your dog stops eating, seems unusually tired, is vomiting or has diarrhea for more than a day, is coughing, or is drinking and urinating much more than usual. Difficulty breathing, collapse, seizures, a swollen painful belly or a suspected poisoning are emergencies that need immediate care.

FAQ

Can dogs catch colds and the flu?

Dogs can catch respiratory infections that look like a human cold, as well as canine-specific viruses such as canine influenza and kennel cough. However, they very rarely catch the human cold or human flu viruses, so you usually cannot give your dog your cold. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, a runny nose and low energy.

Can dogs catch illnesses from humans?

Most human illnesses do not pass to dogs, and most dog illnesses do not pass to humans. There are a few exceptions, called zoonotic diseases, that can spread in either direction, including certain strains of salmonella, ringworm and, in rare cases, some flu strains. Good hygiene, such as washing your hands, protects both you and your dog.

What are the signs that a dog is sick?

Common signs of illness in dogs include loss of appetite, low energy, vomiting or diarrhea, coughing, a fever, changes in drinking or bathroom habits, and hiding or behaving unusually. Because dogs instinctively hide pain, any sudden change in normal behavior is worth paying attention to.

When should I take a sick dog to the vet?

Contact your vet if symptoms are severe, last more than a day or two, or get worse quickly. Treat it as an emergency if your dog has trouble breathing, collapses, has repeated vomiting or diarrhea, a bloated painful belly, seizures, or may have eaten something toxic. When in doubt, it is always safer to call your vet.