Dog Health Care: Can Dogs Suffer From Colds?

If your dog exhibits signs of coughing and sneezing, accompanied by a runny nose and eyes, this will probably be an uncomplicated cold and you must try not to worry too much. On the other hand, if the coughing and sneezing becomes persistent then your pet is likely to be in the throes of Parainfluenza. If you believe this, it is important for dog health care that you keep your dog away from any other dogs since the illness is exceptionally transmittable. Take your pet to your vet’s.

One condition known as Canine Kennel Cough is characterised by a raspy cough with phlegm. This can be more severe, therefore if your dog’s signs and symptoms remain for more than two or three days without any improvement, consult the vet. A further serious variance on respiratory infections in canines is distemper. This is where cold signs and symptoms are combined with gastro-intestinal symptoms. Dogs must be vaccinated against distemper, given it has a substantial mortality rate. Take your pet to the vet if you suspect he has Distemper.

Usually, less serious colds just like a normal common cold in humans will run its course in just a couple of days. If your dog has had cold signs and symptoms for more than ten days with no indication of improvement then you must take your pet to the vet’s where he will get dog health care. The reason for this is because untreated colds and viruses which the dog’s own immune system has been unable to protect against can grow into pneumonia which is more severe. This is characterised by coughing and difficulty breathing.

On the topic of looking for treatment for the dog, normally only young dogs and more elderly dogs require veterinary aid for simple common colds. Adult dogs that are mostly in good health may be cared for at home in the same ways to how we’d care for ourselves if we had a cold. Don’t try to give your pet over the counter cold remedies as there is a danger of overdose. Make sure your dog is kept warm and dry and restrict their time outside the house for the reason that cold will make inhalation harder when their bronchial tubes already are slightly stuffed up. Just like humans, dogs must keep well hydrated, so give them some lukewarm chicken soup. You could also try dog health care at home to make your pet more comfy by letting him breathe warm steamy air in your bathroom following a hot bath for five minutes. This will help relieve his congestion.

Don’t forget, if you are looking after your adult dog at home and his signs and symptoms worsen, he ceases eating or his coughing stops him from sleeping then it’s high time to take him to the vet.

Tags: dog health care, pet health care

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