bad cold

[DiegoDog]

I am sitting here right now with a very bad cold, only a fever away from the flu. I was just wondering if my dog can catch my cold? He is around me all the time and will lick my face. I am just worried he will get sick too.

[RWDVM]

Don't worry DiegoDog. The vast majority of illnesses that humans and dogs contract are species specific, meaning that in most cases it requires another dog to infect your dog. While I certainly do not reecommend allowing your dog to chew up your used Kleenex's (most dogs find this a delicacy), I would not be concerned that your dog will catch your illness. Hope you get well soon.

Roger L. Welton, DVM
Veterinarian, Webmaster http://www.askdvm.com