Natural Remedies for Dog Cold: Medications & Tips

How to Determine If Your Dog Has a Cold? Be Aware of These Symptoms to Identify If Your Pet Is Unwell.

When your dog exhibits any of the following signs, it's important to take note and consider the possibility of them being sick.

Common Symptoms of Dog Cold

1. Loss of Appetite

Dogs can have various reasons for not eating, but one of the first things to rule out is whether they might have a cold. Never ignore a decrease in appetite, especially if your dog shows no interest in their favorite treats or usual food. It's crucial to pay close attention to your dog's condition and observe any changes.

2. Runny Nose and Sneezing

While occasional sneezes can be due to dust or environmental sensitivity, if your dog is sneezing frequently in different locations throughout the day, especially with a runny nose, it's a strong indication that they might be sick. Initially, clear discharge can be relieved by increasing warmth and adding more meat and vegetables to their diet to boost their immunity. You can also consider giving them children's cold medicine as a preventive measure.

3. Fever

Dogs can easily catch a cold and even develop a fever during sudden cold spells or when they're in a new environment. To check for a fever, use a digital thermometer or a water thermometer, set to the lowest temperature, and insert it around the anal area for about 2 to 3 minutes. If your dog's temperature exceeds 39.2°C and they haven't been recently active, they likely have a fever. It's essential to start treatment promptly to avoid complications. If the temperature reaches 39.5°C or higher, it's crucial to seek immediate veterinary care.

Treatment Methods

For common upper respiratory infections, treatment is relatively straightforward. You can give your dog a cough suppressant, expectorant, and decongestant like Nokifen to reduce inflammation, coughing, and fever. Additionally, use a fever reducer like Wenuoan to cool down your pet and alleviate pain. Vipda, a canine antibacterial and antiviral medication, can help prevent complications. Severe cases may require veterinary treatment.

If your dog's symptoms are severe and don't improve with medication, consider the possibility of a viral infection, such as canine parainfluenza virus.

Treatment for Viral Infections

In cases of viral infections, it's necessary to visit a veterinarian for treatments like intravenous fluids, nutritional support, cough suppressants, antiviral medications, and biologic agents. Immune serum therapy may also be recommended.

Medication Precautions

Dog cold medications are similar to human cold medications, but you must administer them according to your dog's weight. Never give your dog a full adult dose.

For adult dogs with mild symptoms, they can often recover on their own. However, during a cold, dogs can become weak, so it's important to enhance their diet with easytodigest, nutritious foods like porridge and tomatoes to boost their immunity.

Ensure your dog's sleeping area is wellpadded for warmth and comfort. When taking your dog for walks in the morning and evening, be cautious of temperature fluctuations that could cause further harm. For mild symptoms, you can give your dog children's cold medicine for two days as a preventive measure, using the dosage appropriate for children.

It's particularly important to note that puppies under two months old with cold symptoms should be tested for contagious diseases promptly to avoid delays in treatment.