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Like people, dogs catch colds too. As a dog owner, it’s important that you know the signs of your pet feeling a bit under the weather and if necessary, treat it before it becomes something worse.
Signs and Symptoms
- Sneezing
- Loss of energy and appetite
- Runny eyes
- Watery nose
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Mucus discharge
These symptoms may make the condition look worse than it is. Don’t panic; it’s not life-threatening. Cold in dogs don’t often last long, even without treatment. You can give it a week, tops. What’s important is that throughout that week, you keep your dog as warm and as hydrated as possible.
How to Take Care of Your Dog
Before you think of taking your dog to the vet, you might want to consider doing the following first:
- Give your dog a snug blanket to help him keep warm and dry.
- Limit your dog’s time spent outdoors, especially when it’s cold.
- Cook some boiled chicken and rice to encourage your dog to eat. Though your dog may not eat much, just tiny bits are better than nothing.
- If you have a mist vaporizer, use it. It can help keep the bronchial tubes moist and make it easier to breathe.
- Encourage your dog to drink lots and lots of water. Learn how to make a chicken broth as well. This way, your dog’s nasal mucus doesn’t thicken and are less likely to block the nose.
Give or take a few days, your dog should be feeling a bit better. But if your dog doesn’t act like he feels better, it might be time for a visit to the veterinarian.
