
The Major Causes of Cold in Dogs
To understand as well as treat cold in dogs, we need to have knowledge of the underlying root causes of cold in dogs. This will assist a family pet owner prevent cold developing to begin with or in the future.
There are various causes of cold-like symptoms in dogs:
- Viruses like the parainfluenza virus
- Bacterial or parasitic infections like heart worms and round worms
- Fungal infections
- Allergies

How to keep an eye on your pet’s health?
Pay attention to your dog’s attitude – A pet parent can find out many things by monitoring the dog’s demeanor including how he or she is physically feeling. You can ensure his health is gradually getting better and responding to treatment. For instance, your fur baby should begin to wag his tail , pay attention to you and get up to greet you. If he perks up and starts asking for food, then that is good sign to indicate he she is getting better.
On the other hand, if you notice your fur baby is becoming less interactive or just lying still, he or she may be getting worse and need medical attention.
Track how often your dog vomits – If you notice your dog is not drinking or vomiting, then you have to make sure your pet does not become dehydrated.
If your dog vomits, then withhold food for 12 to 24 hours, however keep offering water. If he or she is not able to keep fluids down either, call the vet immediately.
When you call the animal hospital, inform your vet how many times in a specific span of time your dog has vomited. However, if your pet vomited just once and resumed eating and drinking again, it’s probably no cause for alarm.
Look for diarrhea – If you think, then you’ll have to follow your pet outside to establish what he pr she eliminates. if you notice large volumes of watery diarrhea then get in touch with the vet.
If you see blood his or her stools, your pet may need intensive supportive care like intravenous fluids.
If you observe your pet has a little diarrhea, be sure to offer lots of fluid. Make sure that your dog is getting more fluid than he or she is losing.
Notice signs of dehydration –Monitor the gums of your pet, which should be moist and pink. If you notice them to be dry feeling, it is most likely your pet may be dehydrated.
Another to check if you pet is hydrated enough is to lift up the scruff of your pet’s neck and let it drop. If your pet is hydrated, it should immediately return to the original position. If your pet is dehydrated, the skin will slowly fall back over the course of a few seconds, rather than snap back. Usually dehydration in a sick dog is a cause for concern, so it is a good idea to take your dog to the vet clinic.
If you see your dog is dehydrated, try offering some form of fluids. If he or she drinks them, continue to monitor for dehydration. For any reasonyou’re your dog can’t keep fluids down, get medical care urgently. To avoid any damage to organ, your pet may need medication of intravenous fluids.
Watch your dog’s breathing – It is good to watch the breathing pattern of your dog and it can tell a pet owner tell you a lot about how your pet feeling. If your dog is in pain or suffering from some form illness, your dog may breathe heavily or pant.
In most circumstances, coughing and heavy breathing are signs of a chest infection. It is also advisable to keep an eye on your pet’s gums if his breathing causes huge chest movements.
The gums in your dog’ mouth should be pink and healthy. However, if they appear tinged blue or pale, it is time to contact the veterinarian. Your pet could be in respiratory distress as your pet might not be getting enough oxygen.
It is good to take an hourly record of your dog’s breathing. Generally your dog take about 20 to 30 breaths per minute. If your pet’s breathing rate increases steadily, his or her condition has deteriorated and you need to contact the vet.
