- Sneezing.
- Coughing (A dry “honking” cough could mean kennel cough specifically)
- Runny nose.
- Discharge from the eyes.
- Lethargy; less active than usual.
- Loss of appetite or thirst.
- Trouble breathing.
- Fever (though a fever more commonly indicates the flu)
As pet owners, it is important to know the signs and symptoms of common ailments in order to provide the best possible care for our furry friends. One of the most common conditions that can affect dogs is a cold. While a mild cold is usually not life-threatening and can clear up on its own, it is important to know when your dog may need medical attention. In this blog post, we will discuss the signs and symptoms of a cold in dogs and what to do if you suspect your pup is feeling under the weather. We will also discuss why it’s so important to recognize the signs of a cold in your pet, as well as how to help prevent your pup from getting sick in the future.
What Are the Symptoms of Colds in Dogs?
Some of the symptoms of a dog’s cold may resemble some of your own.
Common cold symptoms include:
The symptoms of more severe conditions, such as kennel cough, influenza virus (dog flu), the parainfluenza virus, bronchitis, or even canine distemper, may also be present in addition to the dog cold virus.
Calling your veterinarian is the safest course of action if your dog exhibits these symptoms. Your dog might have a more serious condition that needs veterinary care if they also exhibit fever, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in appetite, or any other abnormal behaviors.
Canine infectious tracheobronchitis, also known as kennel cough, is a seriously contagious respiratory condition that affects dogs. Kennels, where it is most frequently transmitted, give it its name. It is simple for dogs to catch and spread viruses at kennels and other locations where lots of dogs gather. Although most dogs recover from kennel cough with treatment, it can have more serious effects in puppies and dogs with weakened immune systems.
The dry, honking cough that dogs develop is the most recognizable sign of kennel cough. Some compare it to the noise made by a honking goose.
Sneezing, a runny nose, lethargy, appetite loss, and a low fever are additional signs of kennel cough. Always consult your veterinarian because many of these symptoms are also present in dogs with colds.
Clubs Offering:
The common cold is an unfortunate fact of life that is rarely fatal but always inconvenient. But what about dogs? Do they get colds?.
Like us, dogs can contract infections that cause them to sneeze and sniffle. But a more severe illness could also be to blame for your dog’s cold symptoms.
When people talk about catching a cold, they are actually referring to a wide range of viruses. All of these viruses are grouped together as cold viruses because they cause similar symptoms, such as sneezing, sore throat, runny eyes and nose, and general malaise. In people, the most common viral cold agents are the rhinovirus, which is estimated by WebMD to cause more than 50 percent of colds in humans, and also the corona, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, and parainfluenza viruses.
The causes of colds in dogs are similar. The term “cold virus” is not applied to any one particular virus. Instead, a variety of viruses can make dogs sick with the flu. Because some of these symptoms are more severe than others, it’s crucial to treat your dog’s cold symptoms more seriously than you would treat a cold in yourself.
Whether you’ve got a sniffle or something more serious, you may be worried about the potential risks for your four-legged friend. We’ve put together this guide to tell you everything you need to know about dog colds and flu to help you better understand your pet.
Cold and flu season is approaching when the trees begin to lose their leaves and we have to defrost the car every morning. For humans, this has just become a given, and we’re used to stockpiling tissues and pills, but what about our canine companions?
No, dogs cannot contract the cold virus that causes symptoms in humans and they do not contract colds in the same way that humans do. Dogs, however, can develop infections that cause cold-like symptoms like sneezing and congestion. Generally speaking, these “dog colds” are unique to that species, so you won’t be able to contract them along with your dog.
FAQ
Do dog colds go away on their own?
While mild colds usually go away on their own, if your dog’s cold turns out to be an infection, like kennel cough, your veterinarian will advise a treatment plan that may include rest, antibiotics for secondary infections, cough suppressants, and fluids, particularly if your dog is a young dog.
How do you get rid of a cold for a dog?
- Use a humidifier. Similar to humans, stuffy noses can be made better by breathing warm, steamy air.
- 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.
How long does a cold last in a dog?
If it’s just a cold, you should be able to take care of your dog at home, and the symptoms should go away in 5 to 10 days. If your dog has a more severe cold, you might need to take them to the doctor.