How to Tell If Your Dog Has a Cold
Colds in dogs are fairly common, and several different viruses or bacteria can cause them. The good news is that most dog colds are relatively mild and will go away on their own within a week or two. However, since our furry friends can’t tell us when they’re not feeling well, it’s up to us to be on the lookout for signs of a cold.
Here are some common symptoms to watch out for.
- runny nose or discharge from the eyes
- sneezing
- coughing
- decreased appetite
- lethargy
- fever
If your dog is showing any of these signs, it’s possible that he has a cold. Of course, it’s always best to avoid caution and take him to the vet just to be sure. The vet can run some tests and rule out other potential causes of these symptoms, such as allergies or Kennel Cough. Treatment for a dog cold is usually pretty straightforward and may involve giving your dog over-the-counter medication to help with the symptoms, such as a decongestant or antihistamine. Your vet may also recommend feeding your dog more than usual since he may not have much appetite while sick.
Dogs can get colds just like humans can, but we must watch for signs of illness since they can’t tell us when they’re feeling under the weather. If you think your dog might have a cold, take him to the vet so he can be diagnosed and treated accordingly. In most cases, dog colds are mild and will go away on their own within a week or two, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry!
How do you know if your dog has a cold? Dogs and cats do catch colds, and their symptoms are just like humans. Both may have discharge from their noses, “wet” or labored breathing from congestion, sneezing (especially wet sneezes), watery eyes and lethargy (napping more, showing low energy). The cold symptoms will likely last 5-10 days.
How do you treat a dog with a cold?
How to treat a dog cold
- Use a humidifier. Just like humans, warm, steamy air can help loosen up a stuffy nose.
- Clean your dog’s environment.
- Make sure he get lots of rest.
- Keep away from other dogs.
- Give him plenty of fluids.
- Keep your pup well fed.
Do dog colds go away on their own? While mild colds typically resolve on their own, if your dog’s cold turns out to be an infection such as kennel cough, for example, your veterinarian will recommend a treatment protocol that could include include rest, antibiotics for secondary infections, cough suppressants, and fluids, especially if your dog is a
What does a dog cold sound like? It can sound frightening (like a honking goose) and each bout usually ends with a gagging or retching sound.
How do you know if your dog has a cold? – Additional Questions
What symptoms do dogs get with Covid?
Pets that do have symptoms usually have mild illness that you can take care of at home.
Pets sick with the virus that causes COVID-19 may have:
- Fever.
- Coughing.
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
- Lethargy (unusual lack of energy or sluggishness)
- Sneezing.
- Runny nose.
- Eye discharge.
- Vomiting.
What medicine can I give my dog for a cold?
Nasal Sprays
If your dog is congested or has a dry nose from a cold, you can give them pediatric or saline nasal sprays. Don’t use any other type of OTC nasal medication unless prescribed by your veterinarian.
What does a congested dog sound like?
Does My Dog Have Congestion? Your dog may develop a hacking cough that sounds like it is being dragged from the depths of the lungs. Your pup may have a fever, or discoloration around the gums and lips. They may have difficulty breathing or mucus running from the nostrils.
Why is my dog making a weird sound?
Dogs may whimper or whine when they are stressed, afraid, or in pain. Whining can also mean that your dog wants attention, such as food, a walk, or some tummy rubs. They could even be trying to ask you to help them find their favorite toy.
What does it sound like when a dog has kennel cough?
What does a dog coughing sound like? The most obvious symptom of kennel cough is a forceful, hacking cough, which will often sound like your dog has something stuck in their throat. The cough can be dry and hoarse or productive, in which case it can be followed by a gag, swallowing motion or the production of mucus.
How can I tell if my dog is struggling to breathe?
Signs of Difficult or Labored Breathing
- Open mouth breathing.
- Abdomen heaves with every breath.
- Fast and short breaths (hyperventilating)
- Breathing is noisy (raspy or congested)
- Nostrils flare open when breathing.
- Gum color is grey or blue instead of pink.
- Tongue is blue or purple instead of pink.
What are the signs of a dog dying?
The Telltale Signs a Dog Is Dying
- Prolonged Lethargy/Disinterest. This is the most common sign that the dying process has begun.
- Stops Eating/Drinking.
- Loss of Coordination.
- Incontinence.
- Labored Breathing.
- Seeking Comfort.
Do dogs know they are dying?
On her website, Beside Still Water, she assures owners, “Animals know when they are dying. They are not afraid of death, at least not in the sense that we people are. Nearing death, they come to a place of acceptance and try to communicate that to us.”
What are signs of heartworms in dogs?
Signs of heartworm disease may include a mild persistent cough, reluctance to exercise, fatigue after moderate activity, decreased appetite, and weight loss. As heartworm disease progresses, pets may develop heart failure and the appearance of a swollen belly due to excess fluid in the abdomen.
What can be mistaken for kennel cough?
“The canine distemper virus and canine influenza virus both start off with symptoms nearly identical to kennel cough,” he said. Other conditions that can cause coughing include a collapsing trachea, bronchitis, asthma, and even heart disease.
What are the signs of kennel cough?
The primary symptom of kennel cough is a non-productive and persistent dry cough. It usually sounds like a goose honk or as if something is stuck in your dog’s throat. Runny nose, sneezing, lack of energy, decreased appetite, and mild fever are other symptoms.
Why does my dog keep coughing gagging like he’s choking?
Two very common things that can cause gagging in dogs are infectious problems and laryngeal paralysis. Kennel cough, which is a type of respiratory infection, is a common cause of dog gagging, which results in a harsh, goose-like cough, sometimes followed by a gag.
Why does my dog sound like he has a hairball?
Kennel cough is a dry, hacking, persistent cough that can sound like the dog has something stuck in its throat. This dry hack is often followed by gagging or retching that sounds like the dog is coughing up a hairball, like a cat.
When should I take my coughing dog to the vet?
In addition to coughing, dogs may run a fever, have red eyes, be quite lethargic, and have diarrhea and/or loss of appetite. If your dog is coughing and also has thick mucus coming from his eyes and nose, see your vet immediately.
Will kennel cough go away on its own?
Kennel cough can usually go away on its own – most cases will clear up within three weeks and shouldn’t need any treatment at all. If your dog seems otherwise perky and is eating well, you should be able to use home remedies to make your dog more comfortable.
What is the fastest way to cure kennel cough?
If your pooch has kennel cough, it’s especially important to make sure he drinks enough water. It will flush out the toxins in his body, which may help get rid of the virus faster. If your dog does not want to drink water, have him chew on ice cubes.
Does kennel cough come on suddenly?
The incubation period ranges from 2-14 days. The most common clinical signs include the abrupt onset of a dry, hacking cough that often culminates with a retching noise.
