• While dogs cannot catch colds like humans can, they can often display similar symptoms to that of the human cold. In dogs, the illness is called an upper respiratory tract infection. This illness is infectious and easily spread between dogs in a kennel environment, according to the Humane Society International. Symptoms include a hacking cough, a runny nose, lethargy, fever, loss of appetite and sneezing.
  
  

Supportive Care

• Supportive outpatient care is often the most effective way to treat a canine upper respiratory tract infection, according to Pet Wave. Supportive care includes good nutrition, exercise restriction and enforced rest for two to three weeks. Keeping a dog with an upper respiratory tract infection in a clean, comfortable environment and away from other dogs prevents the spread of the infection and speeds up recovery.
  
  

Antibiotics

• If the cause of your dog’s upper respiratory tract infection is bacterial, your veterinarian might prescribe antibiotics. While antibiotics won’t help cure a viral infection, they can help cure any secondary bacterial infections resulting from the viral infection, according to the Dog Health Guide.
  
  

Vaccinations

• Bacteria that cause upper respiratory infections include pasteurella, bordatella, streptococci and pseudomonad bacteria. Annual vaccinations can often help protect the dog against the organisms that cause upper respiratory infections, said veterinarian Ron Hines from 2nd Chance. A veterinarian can advise you on the types of vaccinations your dog needs.