Cold in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

During winter weather our pets also suffer from colds, did you know that? Many of us have doubts about whether we should clothe our pets or not, if we should worry when they catch the flu or if they can infect us. Would you like to discover all this?

We invite you to read this article since Waggy's developed for you everything you need in this canine cold situation. Stay to discover causes, symptoms, treatments and possible preventive acts for this. Let's get started!

Importance of understanding and treating colds in dogs

The canine cold is a common and frequent disease in our pets that generally manifests itself in winter seasons or cold climates. Statistics indicate that around 20% of dogs experience cold symptoms at some point in their lives, which is why it is important that we have the responsibility to detect it and treat it with a veterinarian because it can trigger worse diseases in the future.

Few of us have a correct health culture, we have to accept it and do what we can to change it. Our pets deserve this attention because they are living beings that are under our responsibility. Taking care of their well-being, preventing infection with other animals, preventing complications and providing quality of life is part of our tasks.

Causes of Colds in Dogs

A cold in dogs occurs when the immune system is weakened in one way or another. Other factors that can increase the possibility of this are humid or cold weather, however, we must never lose sight of the fact that colds are caused by viruses and bacteria that even you could infect your pet.

These are some of the most common causes of colds in dogs:

Bacteria

Some bacterial infections can cause cold-like symptoms in dogs. These bacteria are often associated with kennel cough and may require treatment with antibiotics.

Climate changes

As in humans, sudden changes in temperature and exposure to cold can weaken a dog's immune system, increasing its susceptibility to respiratory infections.

Stress

Chronic stress or stressful situations can weaken a dog's immune system, making him more prone to catching infections, including colds.

Exposure to Sick Dogs

Exposure to dogs that are sick or carrying respiratory infections can increase a dog's risk of catching a cold.

Immunodeficiency

Dogs with weakened immune systems due to underlying diseases, such as canine immunodeficiency virus (CIV), may also be more prone to respiratory infections.

Cold Symptoms in Dogs

Cold symptoms in dogs can vary in severity, and not all dogs will show all of these symptoms. Here's a comprehensive list of typical cold symptoms in dogs, along with a description of how they can vary in intensity:

Runny nose

A runny nose is one of the most common cold symptoms in dogs. It can range from a mild nasal congestion with clear discharge to a very congested nose with mucous or purulent discharge.

Sneezing

Frequent sneezing can be a sign of irritation in the upper respiratory tract due to inflammation caused by the cold. Some dogs may sneeze occasionally, while others may sneeze constantly.

Cough

Cough is another common symptom of the canine cold. It can range from an occasional, dry cough to a persistent, productive cough that produces sputum or phlegm.

Crying eyes

Watery eyes are a symptom related to irritation of the upper respiratory tract. The inflammation can cause your dog's eyes to become watery and appear sad.

Lethargy

Fatigue and lethargy are typical symptoms of many illnesses in dogs, including the cold. Dogs may appear less active than usual, show less interest in play, and rest more.

Fever

Some dogs may develop a fever in response to an infection. Fever can vary in severity and is generally accompanied by other symptoms.

Dehydration

Dogs with colds may lose fluids due to fever, runny nose, and decreased water consumption. This can lead to dehydration, which requires treatment.

Diagnosis and Prevention of Colds in Dogs

The diagnosis determined by the veterinarian will vary according to the causes and profile of your pet, however, there are factors that must be taken into account to make this diagnosis, such as the clinical examination or medical history. Likewise, the veterinarian will surely request clinical studies or laboratory tests that are important to be performed to improve the effectiveness of the diagnosis.

On the other hand, Waggy's would like to give you some tips for prevention and protection of the health of our pets:

Vaccinate your pet

Vaccines are available to prevent some of the most common respiratory infections in dogs, such as canine cold virus and bordetellosis. Consult your veterinarian to determine which vaccines are appropriate for your pet based on his or her lifestyle and risk of exposure.

Keep your dog in a clean, moisture-free environment

Regularly wash his dishes and toys, clean his rest area, and provide clean, fresh water.

Don't stress your pet

Stress weakens dogs' immune systems, making them more susceptible to illness. Provide a calm environment and avoid stressful situations whenever possible.

If your dog is sick, keep him isolated

Kennel cough is highly contagious, so it is important to separate affected dogs until they recover.

Schedule regular checkups with your veterinarian

So you can discuss appropriate preventive measures and keep your dog's vaccination history up to date.

Cold Treatment in Dogs

As in the previous section, the treatment will be different due to all the factors mentioned above, however in most cases, medications such as:

Antibiotics

Not all cases of colds in dogs require antibiotics, so they should only be administered under the recommendation of a veterinarian.

Antitussives

In cases of persistent and bothersome cough, a veterinarian may prescribe cough suppressants to relieve the cough and allow the dog to rest better.

On the other hand, there are actions that you can put into practice as a type of “home remedy” which are:

Repose

Provide your dog with a calm and comfortable environment where he can rest and recover. Avoid excess physical activity.

Hydration

Make sure your dog has access to clean, fresh water at all times. Keeping him well hydrated is essential for his recovery.

Feeding

Offers a balanced, high-quality diet. If your dog has a loss of appetite, you can try offering tastier or hotter foods to stimulate his interest in food. Consult a veterinarian if loss of appetite persists.

Humidifier

If your home environment is very dry, consider using a humidifier to help relieve nasal congestion and respiratory irritation.

Nasal Cleansing

You can gently wipe your dog's nose with a soft tissue or damp cloth to remove nasal discharge.

When to Consult the Veterinarian

Waggys recommends that you consult a veterinarian in the following situations:

• If symptoms worsen or do not improve after several days of home treatment.
• If your dog is having difficulty breathing or showing signs of respiratory distress.
• If you notice blood in your dog's nasal discharge or cough.
• If your dog shows signs of severe dehydration, such as dry gums, extreme lethargy, or lack of urination.
• If your dog has other health problems that could complicate the cold.

In general, a cold in dogs is usually a mild illness that can be treated at home with proper care. However, consultation with a veterinarian is essential to rule out complications and ensure that your dog receives appropriate treatment. Never hesitate to seek veterinary care if you have concerns about your pet's health.

If your dog doesn't like those trips to the vet, you can help him relax with Waggy's treats. that contain CBD for dogs , these products help reduce stress and anxiety in dogs , so that they are calmer during their medical visits. In addition, they contain Omega 3 for dogs , a necessary and essential component for the development of our pet, so they are the best option to choose.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cold is a common condition that affects our pets, however, there are ways to act that can improve their health, eliminate the disease and prevent more severe ones.

Your dog's health and well-being depends on your care and attention. Whenever you have concerns or questions about your pet's health, do not hesitate to consult a veterinary professional. With the right love and attention, your dog should soon recover and be the source of joy in your home again.

We recommend that you continue reading the following articles: My dog ​​has a cough , my dog ​​vomits white foam , dyspnea or breathing problems in dogs , leptospirosis in dogs , epilepsy in dogs , respiratory rate in dogs and diarrhea in dogs . These talk about other conditions and/or diseases that can affect your pet and it is important that you know how to prevent them.