Cold & Flu Season for Dogs: What to Know

As late summer winds down and back-to-school season kicks in, the sniffles start creeping back into homes everywhere. Cooler mornings, warmer afternoons, and more time indoors mean germs spread faster and while your pup won’t catch your cold, dogs can definitely pick up their own version of seasonal bugs.

Here’s your guide to what cold and flu season looks like for dogs, the symptoms to watch out for, and how MOSA helps keep pups safe, healthy, and happy all year long.

Can Dogs Really Get a Cold?

Not the human kind, but yes, dogs have their own set of contagious illnesses that show up more often in late summer and fall, especially in social environments. Contagious dog “colds” can happen any season, but cases tend to spike in the fall and winter. Cooler, drier air can irritate airways and lower resistance, and more indoor playtime in group settings makes it easier for germs to spread. Add in holiday travel and boarding, and pups are mixing and mingling more than usual, which means illnesses move faster.

The big ones to be aware of:

• Canine Cough (Kennel Cough): A dry, hacking cough that sounds like your pup swallowed a kazoo.

• Canine Influenza (Dog Flu): Real flu for dogs that spreads through coughs, sneezes, or shared water bowls. Symptoms can include fever, runny nose, and lethargy.

• Allergies: Seasonal shifts mean ragweed, mold, and pollen. Dogs can show watery eyes, sneezing, or itchy skin just like us.

How Mosa Keeps Your Pet Safe

• Strict Immunization Requirements — every pup must be up to date to attend daycare or overnight pet sitting. Update your pet's records and learn more here.

• Evaluation Process — before joining playgroups, dogs go through an assessment so we know their personality and health history.

• Daily Monitoring — our trained team watches for changes in behavior or energy so we can catch signs early.

• Clean & Comfortable Spaces — our daycare and overnight facilities are kept clean, neat, and carefully maintained so pups can enjoy safe play and cozy rest.

This way, when you drop your pup off for short or long-term care, you know they’re playing in a healthy, safe environment.

How Fall Weather Affects Skin & Coat

Seasonal changes don’t just bring sniffles. The swing from humid summer days to drier, cooler nights, plus more indoor heating can dry out skin and dull coats. Signs to look for:

• Flaky or itchy skin

• More shedding than usual

• Fur that feels brittle or looks dull

Stress or illness can also impact coat health, which is why regular grooming is more than just a beauty treatment, it’s preventive care.

Symptoms to Watch For

If your dog is under the weather, you might notice:

• Persistent coughing or sneezing

• Runny nose or watery eyes

• Loss of appetite or unusual fatigue

• Fever (warm ears and nose can be a clue)

• Skin irritation, dryness, or excessive licking

🚨 Non-Negotiables: When to Call the Vet

A little sneeze here and there isn’t usually a big deal, but some signs should never be brushed off. Call your vet right away if you notice:

• Coughing that lasts more than a few days or gets worse instead of better

• Thick, yellow/green nasal discharge (not just a little clear drip)

• Loss of appetite for more than 24 hours

• Difficulty breathing or wheezing

• Extreme lethargy - if your normally bouncy pup won’t get off the couch

• Persistent fever or shaking/chills

These can signal more serious infections or complications, and catching them early makes a huge difference.

How You Can Help Prevent Illness

• Keep your dog’s vaccinations current.

• Avoid exposing them to dogs who are coughing or sneezing.

• Make sure they’re hydrated, especially with indoor heating drying out the air.

Regular baths and coat care help to:

• Wash away allergens and irritants.

• Keep skin hydrated and reduce itchiness.

• Spot early signs of seasonal problems.

These seasonal risks don’t mean less fun for your pet, they just mean being more mindful, and that’s something MOSA takes seriously. When you drop your pup off for short or long-term care, you can feel confident knowing they’re in a safe, healthy environment where playtime, snuggles, and spa days are never in short supply.

Dogs may not beg for tissues or tea when they’re sick, but they do show us when the season is getting to them. From the zoomies one day to the sniffles the next, this is the time of year to keep an extra-close eye on your pup’s health (and coat). That’s why MOSA is here for playdates, sleepovers, spa days, and everything in between that helps your dog feel their best.

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