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My chihuahua is quiet, not eating, has a fever. Did he catch my cold?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | unneutered | 8 years and 6 months old | 14 lbs

I had bronchitis & sinus infection.. Now my 8yr old chihuahua is acting quiet ( isn't even playing with cat) , not eating much, and feels like he has a slight fever. Could he have gotten my cold? How do I treat him?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Joy Fuhrman, DVM, MBA, CPA

Veterinarian

Published on February 7th, 2017

Human diseases are rarely transmissible to pets so it is unlikely that your Chihuahua's clinical signs are due to anything that he caught from you. That being said, signs of lethargy, inappetence (not eating) and possible fever can indicate a problem. Monitor him over the next 12 to 24 hours and if you do not see any improvement you should take him to your veterinarian to determine what is causing these signs and obtain appropriate treatment.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    No, it's not likely that Op got a cold from you. It could be that he has a respiratory infection, but lethargy and anorexia are signs many other illnesses, such a systemic illness, inflammation, or injury. I wold try to tempt him to eat by gently warming up wet food, or you could soak his food in gently warmed low sodium beef or chicken broth. If he's still acting lethargic and not wanting to eat in the next 24-48 hours, I wold have Op seen by a vet.

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