If it's only a cold, then you will likely be able to care for your pup at home, and symptoms will resolve in about 5 to 10 days. If it's a more serious cold, you might require vet care to improve your pup's health.
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 ...
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.
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.
But, colds can resemble a lot of other serious conditions like Canine Distemper, kennel cough, and canine flu. It could also be parasites or allergies, so a trip to the vet is necessary. If it's a mild cold, you can treat your pup at home with lots of fluids and rest, and they should feel better in a week or two.
It's always a good idea to take your dog to the veterinarian if you suspect a respiratory infection. A doctor can rule out anything more serious.
The cough can sound quite frightening (like a honking goose) and each bout usually ends with your dog gagging or retching. These are actually the classic symptoms of kennel cough, an infection of the upper airways.
An occasional sneeze or two in an otherwise happy, healthy dog is nothing to worry about, but frequent or repeated sneezing in a dog that seems unhealthy should warrant a visit to the veterinarian. Dogs can sneeze due to irritants or foreign bodies inhaled into their noses.
Pets worldwide, including cats and dogs, have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after close contact with people with COVID-19. The risk of pets spreading COVID-19 to people is low. Do not put masks on pets; masks could harm your pet.
In certain circumstances, it can be used in dogs. However, dogs require different doses than humans. Paracetamol can be highly toxic to dogs if they are given too high a dose. Some human paracetamol formulations also contain artificial sweeteners such as xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs.
Fresh air is always best. Make sure any rooms your dog spends time in are well ventilated, and the room temperature isn't warmer than it needs to be, to be comfortable. Putting some damp towels over the radiators can help to add some moisture to the room air, which makes it easier on the airways.
Signs of a Sick Cat or Sick Dog
Decrease in appetite accompanied by weight loss. Bad breath or foul odor coming from the ears or skin. Excessive thirst or urination. Unexplained aggression or other behavioral changes.
Animals who have been outside in the cold too long may start to whine, bark, or howl. They're trying to tell you that they're freezing-cold and need to go inside and warm up—just like this dog, Charlie.
No dog should be given paracetamol without being prescribed it by a vet. But if your dog does accidentally ingest paracetamol, the effects can vary depending on the size of the dog. For instance, a dog that weighs 20kg would only suffer toxic effects after eating seven 500mg tablets.
Symptoms of Respiratory Infections
Dogs show a number of symptoms when they have a respiratory infection, including watery eyes, discharge from the nose, sneezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, and fever. Your dog may not want to play as usual or may refuse to eat.
Dogs can carry the kennel cough infection for two weeks before showing symptoms, during which time it's likely you'll be walking your dog as normal. As soon as you notice your dog coughing, you should start your isolation period, keeping them away from other dogs, and avoiding walks altogether to help curb the spread.
Sleeping With Your Dog Can Make You Sick
And the same holds true for your pup. If your dog shows any signs of illness, make sure they sleep away from you and on their own bed.
Most dogs improve on their own, but some need treatment from a vet. Dogs with kennel cough should be kept away from other dogs and public spaces (while they are showing symptoms and for two to three weeks afterwards), as this is where spread is most common.
Paracetamol is a very popular painkiller in humans but it can be toxic or fatal in small animals. Dogs are less sensitive to paracetamol than cats. A 20 kilogram dog would need to ingest over seven 500mg tablets in order to suffer toxic effects. In cats, one 250mg paracetamol tablet could be fatal.
Many pain medications considered safe for people can be toxic or even fatal for dogs. Never give your dog aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or any other medication designed for humans without first consulting your vet.
"Paracetamol is licensed in dogs as Pardale V for 5 days. The dose in Pardale V works out at 33mg of paracetamol for every kg of body weight, three times daily. The listed dose in most vet formularies is 10mg/kg twice to three times daily," Nick explains.
Symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pets
Some signs of illness in pets may include fever, coughing, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, lethargy, sneezing, nose or eye discharge, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Canine influenza (also known as dog flu) is a contagious respiratory disease in dogs caused by specific Type A influenza viruses known to infect dogs. These are called “canine influenza viruses.” No human infections with canine influenza have ever been reported.