How to treat a dog with a cold NHS?
Izabella Gulgowski
2025-06-22 00:28:08
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Most dogs with kennel cough can be treated at home without medication and recover within 1-3 weeks. However, if your dog has a severe cough or appears unwell your vet may recommend: Anti-inflammatories - to reduce airway inflammation and bring down a high temperature. Antibiotics - antibiotics are very rarely prescribed for kennel cough because most case are caused by viruses (which don’t respond to antibiotics), but if your dog is very young, old or otherwise unwell, your vet may prescribe them as a precaution. Rest and TLC - exercise can make a cough much worse; keep your dog warm, comfortable and allow them to rest as much as they need. A steamy room - some dogs with kennel cough can benefit from sitting in a steamy room (perhaps while you have a shower/bath). Never leave your dog alone in a steamy room or force them to stay in it if they aren’t relaxed. If you are concerned for yourself or someone you know, it is best to contact your doctor, or the NHS for advice.
Orie Nader
2025-06-12 21:29:36
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As long as your four-legged friend only shows mild symptoms, but still has an appetite and is behaving normally, you can help them with simple measures to speed up their recovery. Dry air can irritate the airways, so set up a humidifier. The vapour can help to alleviate breathing difficulties. Clean the areas around the eyes and nose carefully with a lukewarm, damp cloth and allow your dog plenty of rest. Offer your four-legged friend plenty of fresh water and ensure they drink a lot. Keep your dog warm and away from other four-legged friends so that they don’t become infected. Definitely don’t smoke in the dog's presence and avoid the use of things like room sprays. Your four-legged patient should feel better again in one to two weeks. A balanced diet helps to strengthen the immune system. If the above-mentioned symptoms worsen and severe breathing problems, bloody sputum when coughing, nosebleeds, reluctance to eat or drink and lethargic behaviour occur, you must have your dog examined by a veterinarian. They can offer appropriate treatment options based on the results of the examination.
Sedrick Klein
2025-06-12 20:44:33
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As soon as the first symptoms of illness appear, only take short walks. In wet weather, your dog should be thoroughly towelled dry after being outside and needs a lot of rest. When a dog shows signs of getting ill, warmth is vital. Make sure your dog is really cosy at home. Inhaling is a good way to hinder the symptoms of your four-legged patient's cold. Water with sea salt is especially suitable, as well as various sorts of tea. Close the animal in the box, place a bowl in front of it and cover the bowl and box with a thick blanket. The inhalation liquid should be very warm but in no case boiling. Make sure that your dog feels comfortable during the procedure by not leaving the animal unattended and paying attention to its well-being. If in addition to having a cold your dog starts to cough, retch, develop rattling breath or eye discharge, or suffer from a raised temperature, it's time to see a vet.
Arielle Bode
2025-06-12 18:34:50
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Dogs with a cold should never be given human cold treatments. Instead, colds in dogs can mostly be managed with home remedies. Home remedies for dog colds include: Give them warm food, warm food can make it more fragrant, plus it will be softer and easier to enjoy. Keep them hydrated, make sure to top up their water bowl often and give them plenty of fluids. Let them rest, a dog cold can make your pooch tired, so avoid walks if they’re not interested. Use a humidifier, humidifiers can make it easier for your pup to breathe. Clean your dog’s things, it’s essential to wash your dog’s blankets and clean their toys and other items they’re always in contact with. But, if you suspect your dog has a respiratory infection then you should always contact your vet for the best course of treatment.
Catalina O'Hara
2025-06-12 17:47:37
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Dog colds can be treated in a variety of ways, many of which are similar to the way we would treat our own colds.
Like humans, canine colds will usually clear up on their own, but here are some methods that may relieve your pup’s discomfort in the meantime.
Firstly, make sure your pup gets plenty of rest while they recover.
This may include limiting the length of their walks, or not playing overly energetic games with them for the duration of their illness.
Next, ensure your dog is eating and drinking enough.
Provide him or her with plenty of healthy, easy to digest food and access to fresh drinking water.
To ease your dog’s nose and eyes, gently wipe them with a warm, damp cloth to keep them clean.
You could also take your dog into the bathroom while you have a shower so they breathe in the humid air.
Additionally, you can even try special cold remedies specifically for pets, such as nose drops or nose balm.
However, it’s vital that you never give your dog human medication, as painkillers such as paracetamol are toxic to dogs.
If your dog’s symptoms don’t clear up after a few days, take them back to the vet for another check-up.
The vet may need to prescribe antibiotics or decongestants for particularly stubborn colds.
Until your dog is better, make sure to keep them away from other dogs to prevent them from spreading their cold.
Maye Gleichner
2025-06-12 16:41:48
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Allow the dog to get plenty of rest. Keep daily walks at a comfortable pace and avoid excessive exercise while your dog is recovering from a cold. Your dog may not need treatment as many dogs simply get better on their own. If your dog has only mild ‘dog cold’ symptoms, is eating and drinking as normal and still seems to have the same energy levels, it’s usually no need for concern and they should go back to feeling normal within a few days to a week. If it appears to be more than a mild dog cold and they’re off their food, not drinking, obviously uncomfortable and/or having difficulty breathing, you should contact your vet straight away. The recommended treatment will depend on the outcome of your vet’s diagnosis, but may include: antibiotics, cough suppressants and fluids. Never give your dog cold remedies for human use because these are highly dangerous. Rest is key.
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