Dogs are just like people. They get sick, they have colds, and they can even get the flu, much to their pet parents’ dismay. Nothing is worse than puppy parents knowing your furry friend is sick but not knowing exactly what is wrong or how to help.
Fortunately, most of these illnesses aren’t serious and will clear up on their own. However, if you notice that your dog isn’t acting like himself or is experiencing unusual symptoms, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Here’s a list of common respiratory issues in dogs that would cause a runny nose or cough, along with tips on how to treat them.
Allergies – Yes, Dogs Have Them Too
If your dog has a runny nose or cough, it could be due to allergies. Dogs may be allergic to pollen, dust, mold, and other allergens in their environment, just like their dog parents could be allergic to dust or grass!
The symptoms of allergies include:
- Itchy skin
- Sneezing and coughing (less common)
- Runny eyes and nose (usually watery)
- Eye discharge
- Dry cough
Allergies can be seasonal or year-round, depending on where you live. Seasonal allergies are usually triggered by pollen from trees or grasses that come out during certain times of the year. Year-round allergies are triggered by indoor allergens like dust mites or mold spores that can be present all year long and cause your pet’s immune system to react as though they are foreign invaders.
Allergy medications such as antihistamines can help relieve some symptoms, but there is no cure for dog allergies unless you move somewhere where there aren’t any trees – which seems unlikely.
The best course of action for a dog owner is to ask your vet to run blood tests to see exactly what your dog is allergic to, then develop a plan from there to see if you can eliminate as many allergens as possible from their life.
Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is an acute respiratory disease that can be fatal in young puppies, and it’s contagious. It’s caused by a virus and can be transmitted to humans, too, so you want to be extra cautious when dealing with sick animals.
Common symptoms include coughing, sneezing, and runny nose; eye discharge; fever; loss of appetite; bronchitis; pneumonia and even death if not treated early on. If your dog has these signs of kennel cough, it’s important to take them to the vet right away. The longer you wait to seek treatment for your pup’s problem, the longer they will be sick with their illness too!
Kennel cough typically lasts for a few weeks or months but can become chronic if not treated properly with antibiotics. To avoid kennel cough as best as possible it’s a good idea to make sure that your dog is up-to-date with their kennel cough vaccine.
Colds – A Nuisance but Not Deadly
Before you can help your dog, you need to figure out what’s causing the cough or runny nose. Most cases of coughing and runny noses are caused by the common cold virus – yup, your dog can catch a cold just like you. Colds are typically caused by one of several viruses: the canine distemper virus or the canine parainfluenza virus.
According to one vet, “Dogs and cats do catch colds, and their cold symptoms are just like humans. Both may have discharge from their noses, “wet” or labored breathing from congestion, sneezing (especially wet sneezes), watery eyes and lethargy (napping more, showing low energy). These cold-like symptoms will likely last 5-10 days.”
The good news, just like human colds, most dog colds can be treated at home. Make sure your pup is getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated.
Canine Influenza of Dog Flu
Canine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection that can spread from dog to dog. The virus is usually transmitted through direct contact with infected nasal secretions – meaning snot from another dog. Dogs that have healthy immune systems can fight off the infection on their own, but if your dog has a weakened immune system (for example, if he’s old or young), he may need treatment with antibiotics and antiviral medications.
Canine influenza symptoms include:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
According to the CDC, most dogs will recover fully from their bout of the flu within 2 to 3 weeks. But pet owners should keep an eye out because some dogs do develop severe symptoms associated with the flu that will require medical attention from your vet.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Your Dog?
If your dog is gagging, having difficulty breathing, or heaving, it is best to seek medical attention. This is because this can be a sign of a serious infection in the lungs and may require antibiotics to treat. Don’t wait for the situation to resolve itself if your dog’s symptoms are severe—take him to the vet right away! Your dog’s health is of utmost importance. and going for veterinary care is the best way to a speedy recovery.
Where Your Dog Can Pick Up These Illnesses?
Dogs can get sick from other dogs, humans, dog parks, water bowls, food bowls, the environment, and even their furry family members. Dogs are highly susceptible to respiratory infections because they have very thin mucous membranes. This means that germs in the air are easily able to enter their body through their nose and mouth as well as travel down into their lungs.
The main cause of these respiratory infections is bacteria or viruses that normally live on surfaces such as doggy daycare floors and park benches but which become airborne when one dog sneezes or coughs. These contagions can also be spread by touch since dogs frequently lick each other’s faces while playing together at doggy daycares or parks – plus, they may lick surfaces such as door handles at those locations too!
Another way that your dog could become sick is if you bring him into contact with harmful substances such as pollutants in the air like mold spores found inside homes or smoke produced by nearby wildfires; these toxins could make him ill if he inhaled them directly in his lungs over time.
What to Watch Out For if Your Dog is Sick
If your dog has a cough or runny nose, keep an eye out for any unusual symptoms so you can get them treated if necessary. When you notice that your dog’s breathing becomes labored, or if he experiences difficulty breathing at all (even while resting), take him to the vet.
If he seems lethargic or uninterested in food, take him in as well. You should also call the vet if something looks wrong with his eyes—if they seem to be sunken into their sockets and have a yellowish coloration around them, this could be due to an illness called distemper—or if his gums have become pale instead of pinkish-red as usual. When in doubt – call your vet.
While it may be easy for us humans to recognize these symptoms and conditions leading to a cold in our bodies, it can be difficult for your pet. That’s why it’s important to watch out for any unusual symptoms so that you can get them treated if necessary!
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