Cold in a dog – Symptoms what are they?

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The autumn and winter season is a time when it is not difficult to get infections and colds. This applies to both us and our four-legged friends. What symptoms accompany the canine cold? How to take care of our weakened pet, during this difficult period?

Symptoms of a cold in a dog

A cold in a dog is usually an upper respiratory tract infection accompanied by a persistent cough and nasal discharge. Cough in a dog, however, is significantly different from that which happens to humans. It resembles whooping, coughing and vomiting reflexes.

A cold dog also has an elevated temperature. A dog’s natural temperature is between 37.6 and 38.90 degrees Celsius. A feverish state begins, therefore, when the thermometer shows above 39 degrees. How can we know what temperature our pet is? It’s worth getting some basic dog accessories, such as a special thermometer.

A cold dog is also lethargic, may have heavy breathing and assume unnatural poses. Nasal discharge is accompanied by red and pus-filled eyes. The four-legged dog’s nose is dry, and he is less likely to engage in physical activity and lose his appetite.

Cystitis in a dog symptoms

Cystitis in a dog is a troublesome and unpleasant ailment. Our pet then shows very clear symptoms – urination causes pain to the dog. It may even be accompanied by whining. The dog begins to dribble, often falls and urinates in the house. Here is a troublesome situation not only for the owner, but also for the four-legged dog – especially if he has been taught to regularly go outside to urinate.

Moreover, the place where the dog urinates becomes swollen and reddened. A cold bladder in a dog can even develop into acute inflammation, and blood will be visible in the dog’s urine.

Cold in the dog – what is the cause?

Colds in a dog are promoted by sudden changes in temperature – for example, leaving a warm apartment with your pet for a walk when it’s freezing outside. Also, long exposure to rain or drafts can be among the pathogenic factors. A four-legged dog can also get infected from a canine friend. And can a dog get the flu or a cold from its owner? Most viruses that cause disease in humans should not pose a threat to animals, and vice versa the situation is similar.

However, cystitis in a dog is most often caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Perhaps our pet got infected from another dog, or caught the bacteria while swimming at the lake. Older and neutered dogs are particularly susceptible to this type of infection. Also, the anatomical structure of female dogs makes them more likely to develop cystitis.

Cold dog – treatment

Just like a cold human, our four-legged companion during a cold needs a quiet and calm place. A warm dog bed away from windows and drafts will certainly prove helpful. Also provide your pet with constant access to warm water and quality food. During a cold, your dog’s throat may be swollen, so wet dog food may be a better option. During a period of weakness, the dog’s food itself should be rich in protein amino acids, which play a big role in building antibodies and fighting infection. When our dog has no appetite we can encourage him to eat by giving him his favorite dog treats.

Is it a good idea to give your pet painkillers or antibiotics from our medicine cabinet ? Not at all! Drugs intended for humans, for example, paracetamol, can lead to poisoning of the four-legged dog and even his death. If we want to relieve the dog’s suffering, let’s go to the veterinarian, who will prescribe special painkillers dedicated to dogs for the pet. It’s also worth going to the vet if your pet’s condition doesn’t improve after a few days, or if the fever indicates 41 o C. The doctor will then assess whether we should give your pet an antibiotic and, if necessary, prescribe an antipyretic, expectorant or anti-inflammatory medication.

During the illness, it is advisable to reduce walking time to a minimum. We should also not force our pet with play. We should also limit our dog’s contact with other pets to avoid spreading the infection.

The importance of prevention – how to prevent a cold?

Small dogs are particularly susceptible to colds, as they lose heat more quickly and are not as resistant to the cold as their larger friends. So it’s worth stocking up on warm dog clothes to put on your pet when it’s freezing outside. The dog bed should have good insulation to the ground and should be positioned away from drafts.

When our pet is prone to colds, it is a good idea to limit bathing in the winter, or to do it in the evening right after a walk, so that the dog can wait a few hours before going outside.

As a preventive measure, we should regularly deworm our pet, as parasites lower immunity, promoting infections. During the winter, we can implement vitamin C and cod liver oil supplements to our four-legged friend to strengthen his immunity.

Emily Carter is an experienced pet enthusiast and writer, with over a decade of experience caring for and working with animals. From her early days volunteering at animal shelters to becoming a pet care advisor, Emily has dedicated her life to understanding the unique needs of pets and helping pet owners provide the best possible care for their furry companions. She is especially passionate about topics like pet nutrition, behavior, training, and animal welfare.

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