How to treat a cold dog at home? - briefly
To treat a cold dog at home, ensure it remains hydrated by providing plenty of fresh water and consider offering warming, easily digestible foods like chicken broth or boiled rice. Additionally, maintain a comfortable temperature in your home, ideally between 68-74°F (20-23°C), to help your dog recover more quickly.
How to treat a cold dog at home? - in detail
When treating a cold in dogs, it's crucial to remember that while they share many similarities with human colds, there are significant differences. Dogs typically don't catch colds from humans or other animals, but rather from viruses specific to canines, such as canine adenovirus, parainfluenza, and distemper. Here is a detailed guide on how to treat a cold dog at home:
Firstly, ensure your dog is warm and comfortable. A cold environment can exacerbate symptoms, so keep your pet in a draft-free area with a cozy bed. If your dog has a runny nose or eyes, gently wipe the discharge away to prevent irritation. Use a warm, damp cloth for this purpose.
Hydration is vital when treating any illness, including a cold. Encourage your dog to drink plenty of water by offering fresh water frequently throughout the day. If your dog is not drinking enough, you can add some low-sodium chicken broth or a small amount of tuna juice to their water bowl to make it more appealing.
Nutrition also plays a crucial role in recovery. Offer your dog a balanced diet to support their immune system. You may need to coax them to eat if they've lost their appetite. Warming up their food slightly or adding some cooked chicken or fish can make meals more enticing. However, avoid giving your dog human cold medications, as many contain ingredients toxic to dogs, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
Steam inhalation can help alleviate nasal congestion and soothe a sore throat. Fill your bathroom sink with hot water, create steam by running the shower on hot, and then sit with your dog in the room for about 10-15 minutes. Be cautious not to burn your dog with hot water or steam.
Over-the-counter vapor rubs can be helpful but should be used sparingly and with caution. Apply a small amount to the pads of your dog's paws, ensuring they don't lick it off. Alternatively, you can use essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint in a diffuser to help clear nasal passages.
Monitor your dog's symptoms closely and contact your veterinarian if the cold persists for more than a week or if your dog develops additional symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, coughing, or difficulty breathing. While most canine colds resolve on their own within 7-10 days, complications can arise, especially in puppies, senior dogs, or those with compromised immune systems.
In summary, treating a cold dog at home involves providing warmth and comfort, ensuring adequate hydration, maintaining a balanced diet, using steam inhalation for congestion relief, and monitoring symptoms closely. If your dog's condition worsens or persists, consult your veterinarian promptly.