How to tell if your cat or dog has a cold, and what to do about it

If you're uncertain how ill your pet cat is, it's a good idea always to head to the vet.

Just like humans, cats and dogs can get colds. And just like with humans, these colds can differ in severity, from a common cold that clears up within a few weeks to severe respiratory infections that need serious treatment.

One of the better-known cold-like illnesses in dogs is kennel cough, or canine tracheobronchitis. The most noticeable symptom is a dry cough, though other symptoms can include swollen lymph nodes, loss of appetite, apathy or fever.