However, if the animal develops severe breathing problems, it could be a sign of a respiratory infection, and you should take it to the veterinarian right away. Keeping your sick dog in a warm, dry area would be best.
Give cooled, boiled water little and often. If your pet is vomiting and unable to keep food down, you can try missing one meal, although still allow access to water. Then, offer small amounts of a white meat diet such as boiled chicken or boiled fish (cod or coley), with white rice.
Shivering
If your dog is shivering and it is not because they are cold it could actually be caused by a fever. Make sure your pet is warm and dry if they are shivering. If the shivers are from a fever make sure you are not making them too hot.
Keep in mind that a sick pet should be kept in a quiet environment and may prefer to be left alone. Make sure that young children and other pets do not bother the sick one. You may need to keep your sick pet in a separate room or area of the house.
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.
"Often dogs become depressed as a result of pain or illness. If your dog shows the above signals, take him to the vet to make sure he does not have an underlying condition," advises Trott.
The most common causes of lethargy in dogs are: Infection, including parvovirus, distemper, kennel cough and leptospirosis. Metabolic diseases, such as heart problems, liver problems, diabetes, and hypoglycaemia. Medications, such as newly prescribed drugs or a new flea or worm product.
If your pup is sneezing, coughing, has a runny nose, decreased appetite, and wants to sleep more, they might have a cold. 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.
The signs of this illness in dogs are cough, runny nose, fever, lethargy, eye discharge, and reduced appetite, but not all dogs will show signs of illness.
Rest and Exercise
Sick dogs need a lot of sleep and rest. Provide a quiet and comfortable place for your dog to relax that is free of disturbances, including other pets or young children who may be a bother.
Dogs that are in pain often sleep more – they may be trying to heal, or it might even be difficult for them to move around and be active. A loss of appetite and noticeable differences in the amount of water they're drinking are often common symptoms.
Position your dog so that they're lying comfortably.
Your dog should change positions regularly if he's not moving around much. To prevent pressure sores, turn your dog to rest on his opposite side every hour, if he's not sleeping.
Canine influenza, also known as the dog flu, is a contagious respiratory disease in dogs caused by specific Type A influenza viruses known to infect dogs, and is different from the seasonal influenza viruses that spread annually among people, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In addition to sneezing, coughing and nasal congestion, signs and symptoms may include watery eyes, runny nose, sore throat, and body aches. Your pet might not be as energetic as usual, which is a good thing. Rest is very important, as it helps your dog recover from the viral infection.
With proper treatment, your dog's stomach virus should subside within three to seven days. If symptoms last longer than two weeks, call or visit your veterinarian.
Warm up baby food, especially meat flavors like turkey or beef. Buy small jars so that it won't get moldy before you use it up. Dogs also might like fruit flavors like apple or peach. Smear a small amount of the food across your pet's mouth or offer the food in your hand for the pet to try.
There are many different illnesses and conditions that can cause your dog's body temperature to drop. Some of these include sepsis, hypothyroidism, diabetes, kidney disease, poisonings or toxicity, bleeding or haemorrhage, and heart failure or circulatory issues.
Chronic illness may cause dogs to stop eating but continue drinking. If your dog is avoiding food but is drinking excessive amounts of water—much more than is normal for him—this is a telltale sign that he has develop diabetes. Take him to the vet for a diagnosis and to find out more about his options.
Some of the signs of parvovirus include lethargy; loss of appetite; abdominal pain and bloating; fever or low body temperature (hypothermia); vomiting; and severe, often bloody, diarrhea. Persistent vomiting and diarrhea can cause rapid dehydration, and damage to the intestines and immune system can cause septic shock.
Lethargy, sleepiness, not moving much
If you notice that suddenly your dog is not moving much or is more “lazy” than usual, it might be a sign you have a sick dog. Dogs in pain will typically be less active than healthy dogs. A lethargic dog could be dealing with one of the following: Viral infection.
Cuddles & Sleepy Snuggles ?
Dogs choose to sleep where they feel most comfortable and at ease, so if your dog enjoys sleeping in your bed, or likes to snuggle up to you for a nap, they feel trust in you that they will be safe to do so.
Now, officials say they are confident that the mysterious illness is actually a common virus: canine parvovirus, a gastrointestinal condition that typically affects puppies before they have gotten their vaccines.