Dog Cold Symptoms: Red Eyes & What to Do
Section 1: Causes of Red Eyes in Dogs with a Cold
Typically, dogs with a common cold do not exhibit red eyes. If you notice that your furry friend's eyes turn red after they've caught a cold, it could be a sign of a fever.
This is because when a dog has a cold, the body may experience a heightened inflammatory response, leading to an increase in body temperature. As the temperature rises, blood circulation speeds up, causing the dog's conjunctiva to appear red. At this point, it's important for pet owners to take their dog's temperature to check for signs of a high fever.
How to measure your dog's temperature:
First, disinfect a regular thermometer with alcohol, shake the mercury down to below 35 degrees, and then apply a small amount of erythromycin ointment or Vaseline for lubrication. Gently lift your dog's tail and slowly insert the thermometer about onethird of its length into the rectum. Wait for approximately 35 minutes before removing it to read the results. A dog's normal body temperature is around 3839 degrees. If the reading exceeds 39.5 degrees, it's crucial to take your dog to the vet immediately.
If the temperature is between 39 and 39.5 degrees, you can initially try homebased methods for cooling:
Use a medical cotton ball dipped in diluted alcohol to wipe the pads of your dog's feet and the ear canals. Additionally, administer veterinary amoxicillin powder, such as Vapda, to reduce internal inflammation and control secondary infections. Also, consider using Puren's neomycin sulfate eye drops to observe the condition for two days. If the situation doesn't improve, it's essential to take your dog to the vet for examination and treatment.
Another possible reason for your dog's red eyes during a cold could be a weakened immune system, leading to conjunctivitis caused by an eye infection. If the symptoms are not severe, pet owners can apply Puren's neomycin sulfate eye drops for observation. If the condition persists, it's important for the owner to consult a veterinarian for further examination and treatment.
Section 2: Medications for Dog Cold
When treating a dog's cold, it's important to use petspecific cold medications. For mild symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose, you can give your dog Fenoldopam tablets. If the symptoms are more severe, add Flunordopam for inflammation and cough relief. During the cold, it's essential to keep your dog warm, avoid bathing them, and not taking them outside to prevent further cooling. Also, ensure a light and healthy diet to avoid heavy oils and salt.
For more information on the causes and solutions for red eyes in dogs with a cold, check out "What Causes a Dog's Eyes to Turn Red?" and for any other questions, feel free to consult an online veterinary expert.