Symptoms of Dog Cold: What to Look Out For

One: Causes of Canine Cold

When a dog catches a cold, it's crucial to determine the type of cold it has. Typically, bacterial colds are a result of the dog being exposed to cold temperatures, which can be due to sudden changes in weather, high humidity, or not drying off properly after a bath or rain. While a common cold in dogs is usually not severe and can often be treated with simple antibiotics, in some cases, no medication may be needed at all; proper care can suffice. It's important to note that if the cold is caused by Pasteurella infection, the dog may exhibit a coughing symptom.

When a dog's cold is due to a viral infection, it requires immediate attention. The most common viral infection is canine distemper, which not only affects the respiratory system but can also impact the digestive, nervous, and skin systems.

Two: Symptoms of Canine Distemper

When a dog shows signs of a viral cold, canine distemper is often the first suspicion. If a dog displays one or two symptoms of distemper, it is highly likely that the dog is suffering from this condition.

Upper Respiratory Symptoms: Sneezing, discharging mucus from the nose, coughing, and difficulty breathing;

Digestive Symptoms: Vomiting and diarrhea;

Nervous System Symptoms: Inability to maintain balance, paralysis, head tilt, nystagmus (eye twitching), and seizures, either generalized or localized;

Skin Symptoms: Pustular skin diseases, overkeratinization of the nose or paw pads.

Tip: For more information on the symptoms of canine colds, you can read "6 Symptoms Your Dog Might Show After Catching a Cold."