Can I catch a cold from my dog?

By  Eliza Keck 17 July 2025 5 min read

Sniffle season has officially arrived. The tissues are out, the tea is brewing, and everywhere you go, someone is sneezing or coughing.

As you're curled up on the couch with your dog and both of you let out a matching achoo, a thought creeps in: Can I catch the flu from my dog? It’s a reasonable question, and it’s one of many that pop up this time of year when bugs are flying around and we snuggle with our warm furry friends.

So, in honour of flu season, CSIRO zoonotic disease experts Jenn Barr and Professor Glenn Marsh have answered some of the most common questions they’re asked.

First thing’s first: what are zoonotic diseases and how do they jump from animals to humans?

Jenn explains a zoonotic disease, or zoonosis, is an infectious disease that can be transmitted between animals and humans. These diseases can be caused by various pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi.

There are four ways diseases can spread from animals to humans:

1. Direct contact: by touching or being scratched or bitten by an infected animal or their body fluids
2. Indirect contact: touching objects or being in the same space as infected animals, or eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
3. Vector-borne transmission: ‘vector’ is a word for an in-between animal that transmits the disease from an infected animal to humans, usually insects such as mosquitos and tics.
4. Air-borne transmission: some diseases can spread through droplets in the air, especially if you’re in confined spaces together.

Can I catch a cold from my dog?

Glenn’s short answer: No.

The longer answer: The viruses that cause colds in dogs and humans are different. Dogs have their own version of the sniffles (such as canine respiratory coronavirus or kennel cough), but these aren’t contagious to humans.

While we don’t need to worry about sharing sneezes, there are a few other annoying ailments we can get from our pups such as ringworm (not a worm, but a fungal skin infection) so it’s important to keep up to date with your dog’s immunisations and parasite prevention medications.

Although it’s not a concern in Australia, in many countries there is a real risk of catching rabies from dogs, so while you’re safe to pat pups on Australian shores, be sure to keep a respectful distance from unknown dogs when travelling overseas.

What about my cat? Can Fluffy give me the flu?

Cats are mysterious, majestic and occasionally sneezy, too. The good news? Jenn explains that, just like dogs, they don’t typically pass human cold or flu viruses to us.

There are a few exceptions in the zoonotic world where cats can pass things along, including ringworm, Toxoplasmosis (can be dangerous for pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems) and very rarely, cat scratch disease (a bacterial infection typically caused by, you guessed it, a scratch from a cat.).

And did you know that zoonoses can work in reverse? Although rare, humans can pass coronavirus (COVID-19) to their cats.

Should I worry about backyard chickens, pet pigs or recluse reptiles?

Jenn explains a surprising number of zoonotic diseases come from animals that don’t purr or wag their tails. Backyard chickens, for example, can carry Salmonella, and reptiles (such as turtles and snakes), too – even if they look perfectly healthy.

There are also some emerging diseases that are mild for most people but can be severe for some. You may have heard of Japanese encephalitis virus which can affect pigs and is transferred to people by mosquito bites.

So, the golden rule? Always wash your hands after handling animals.

What about wild animals and pandemics?

Glenn explains some of the biggest global health scares, such as Ebola, avian influenza and SARS, originated from animals, often via a complex chain of events involving wildlife, humans and sometimes other animals in between.

Climate change, increased land use and increased movement of animals and people are some of the many complex factors driving an increased spread of infectious zoonotic diseases. That’s why scientists, doctors, vets and disease detectives work together across borders and disciplines, a concept called One Health, to keep track of diseases that can jump between species.

We need to stay prepared, stay informed and spot the next potential issue before it becomes a problem. And that’s why the work at CSIRO’s Animal Centre for Disease Preparedness facility is so essential: everyday scientists such as Jenn and Glenn are on the frontline of disease detection and research to keep us, and our animals, safe.

So, what can I do to stay safe?

Here are a few easy ways to keep yourself and your Australian pets safe:

• Wash your hands after handling pets, farm animals or wildlife
• Keep your pet’s vaccinations and parasite treatments up to date
• Don’t kiss your pets on the mouth or share a bed with them. Share the love, not the germs
• Handle pet and human food safely – especially eggs, raw meat or unwashed produce
• Don't touch wild animals. Leave it to the professionals - they have special training, protective equipment and vaccinations to protect themselves and the wildlife
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites. Mosquitos can spread diseases through their bites
• When in doubt, ask a vet or doctor

Love your animals, respect your microbes

Our furry (and feathered and scaly) companions bring so much joy into our lives and yes, the occasional mess. But with a little awareness and a splash of hand sanitiser, you can pet your pooch, cuddle your cat or care for your chickens.