PET HEALTH By Dr. Scot Trefz, D.V.M.
Cold Symptoms in Dogs
Just like when you have a cold, dogs experience sneezing, coughing and nasal congestion, 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 especially important as your dog recovers from the viral infection. Several different types of viruses can cause cold symptoms in dogs.
Is It a Cold or Something Else?
Cold-like symptoms can occur from canine flu or kennel cough. If your coughing dog sounds like a honking goose, kennel cough may be the cause. It spreads quickly through animal shelters, doggy daycares, and anywhere else dogs are in close contact with each other. The illness can be severe in puppies under 6 months or dogs with immune system conditions. The Bordetella vaccine reduces your pet’s risk of developing kennel cough. Canine influenza may also cause many of the same symptoms. This illness is very contagious. Nearly all dogs exposed to it become infected with 80 percent showing symptoms according to AVMA. Symptoms of canine flu may include sneezing, runny nose, fever, and a dry or wet cough. Dogs may also develop pneumonia or a secondary bacterial infection. The canine influenza vaccine can decrease your pet’s risk of getting the flu. Although some dogs have tested positive to the coronavirus, the numbers are fairly low. Most infected dogs had mild symptoms and none were fatal according to the CDC. Other illnesses that can cause upper respiratory symptoms include fungal or bacterial infections, allergies, worms, and heart disease.
What Should I Do If My Dog Has a Cold? It’s a good idea to visit your veterinarian who can provide a diagnosis and treatment options no matter what the cause of the symptoms. If your dog has a cold, a cool-mist humidifier will ease nasal congestion and soothe your pet’s sore throat. Be sure to provide plenty of water so your pet stays hydrated. Use a soft, moist washcloth to remove mucus from their nose. If your pet accompanies you on your daily run or walk, leave them home. Overexertion will make them feel worse and make it difficult for them to keep up with you. Call your vet if your pet’s symptoms worsen or don’t improve after a week, or your dog isn’t interested in eating or drinking. Don’t wait a week to call if your pet has a chronic condition or is a senior dog or puppy. Call your veterinarian immediately if your pet has difficulty breathing, walking, or standing.
If you enjoyed this article, visit Dr. Scot M. Trefz, DVM – Tierra Verde resident and medical director at Bay Moorings Animal Hospital. Dr. Trefz, a 36-year experienced DVM, and his amazing team of veterinary professionals is located at 3695 50th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33711 (next to the Maximo Moorings Marina and Bay Pointe Plaza Publix) 727-867-0118.
Bay Moorings Animal Hospital • Dr. Scot Trefz, D.V.M., Medical Director & Owner • 727-867-0118 • 3695 50th Ave South, St. Petersburg, FL 33711
www.baymooringsanimalhospital.com • facebook.com/baymooringsanimalhospitaldrtrefz