Identifying Dog Flu: Signs and Symptoms Guide

It's quite common for dogs to catch a cold, as many canines have experienced this at some point. During the chilly winter months, or when there's a sudden shift in temperatures, dogs are particularly susceptible to catching a cold. Moreover, exposure to the flu virus can lead to canine influenza, which is another form of viral cold in our furry friends.

Be aware that the symptoms of a dog's cold can closely resemble those of canine distemper in the early stages, leading to confusion for many inexperienced pet owners. This confusion can be detrimental to the dog's health.

So, how can you tell if your dog has a cold?

Healthy dogs typically have moist noses, clean eyes, ears, and nostrils without any discharge, and their ear canals should not have an unpleasant odor. Additionally, the mucous membranes in their eyes, mouth, and tongue should be pink and free of blood vessels. Keep an eye out for signs of lethargy, depression, or difficulty keeping their eyes open. Look for excessive tearing or red, swollen eyes as well.

Next, inspect your dog's nostrils for thick, mucoid discharge and observe if they are sneezing. If your dog is showing signs of rapid breathing, coughing, a rise in body temperature, or a loss of appetite, being picky, or refusing to eat, their condition is serious and they should be taken to a veterinarian promptly.

The cause of a cold is often sudden exposure to cold stimuli, such as a sudden breeze during winter, sleeping in an area with a draft, being outdoors in cold weather, getting rained on, or not drying off properly after a bath. The main symptoms of a cold include a dog that appears listless, has a decreased appetite, red conjunctivae, watery eyes, and may cough. The nose may produce thick, puslike mucus, and the dog may breathe more rapidly, have a higher body temperature, and shiver. In such cases, you can use products like Pantonin, which is designed to address symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and runny noses in pets.

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