Now that cold season is upon us, do you ever wonder whether you are contagious to your cat or dog? The truth is that pets can catch cold, but it is not the always same type of illness as the one that affects us.
Respiratory Illness Symptoms In Pets
Pets experience respiratory symptoms such as:
- Sneezing
- Weakness
- Runny nose
- Discharge from the eye
These symptoms may also indicate other health issues not associated with a respiratory illness, like an allergy or an infection. In some cases, they may indicate a more severe health concern, such as pneumonia, parasites or distemper.
Can My Pet Catch A Cold from Me?
Your dog cannot catch a cold from you. There haven’t been any documented cases of this occurring, or dogs transferring colds to humans.
With cats, however, the story is different. Fluffy may possibly catch a cold from you. The cold virus that can make you feel miserable can make your cat sick as well, since they are similar. Cats can also transmit viruses between each other, but we cannot catch those viruses from felines.
How To Protect Yourself From The Cold Virus
One of the best ways to prevent the spread of the cold virus, either between human members of your family or to your feline companions, is to wash your hands regularly. This important simple step can help to reduce the risk of becoming ill.
Make a point of also washing your hands after handling your pet. Even though we may not be able to catch a cold from them, they can still carry germs and/or parasites. Make a point of avoiding contact with your pet’s saliva to your nose and mouth, as well as any areas where your skin is broken.
If Your Pet Becomes Sick
Make sure your pet’s food and water bowls are kept meticulously clean. Change your cat’s litter box more often and watch for changes in your pet’s bathroom habits. Be sure that your pet continues to drink plenty of clean water and gets plenty of rest.
If you are concerned about your pet’s condition, take him to the vet. Do tell the doctor if you are sick or have recently recovered from an illness. It could help to diagnose your pet.
Pet Compounding Pharmacy
Our pet compounding pharmacy can prepare medications for your pet in flavors like beef, liver, chicken or tuna that your furry friends will find easy to take. We can also create different dosages and forms in some medicines, such as a transdermal gel for pet that have a tough time swallowing their medication. You’ll feel better knowing that your pet is getting the medicine they need to get on the road to good health.
Call us today to learn more about how our pet compounding pharmacy can help your furry companion feel better.
Learn More About Our Pet Compounding Services
Chief Operating Officer, The Compounding Pharmacy of America
Matthew Poteet, Pharm.D. graduated with Honors from Lee University with a Bachelors of Science in Biological Science. After his undergraduate training, he completed the Doctor of Pharmacy program at Mercer University Southern School of Pharmacy, graduating in 2004. Dr. Poteet has spent much of his pharmacy career on staff at two of the most prestigious academic teaching hospitals in the Southeast; Emory University in Atlanta and Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. At these institutions he received extensive experience and training in sterile products compounding.
He returned home to East Tennessee in 2010, where he has held the position of Pharmacy Director at two sterile products pharmacies in Knoxville. Matthew lives in Knoxville with his wife, Chris. Dr. Poteet is Tennessee’s first Board Certified Anti-Aging Pharmacist by the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.
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