Dogs do get colds, and even the flu. The main cause for a dog’s ailments is “kennel cough”, which is highly contagious amongst dogs that have not been vaccinated with the Bordatella vaccine. After taking your dog to the vet for their coughing (10 days or more) low fever, runny nose (often with yellow discharge), and watery, runny eyes, you can make your dog feel better at home once your vet gives them the OK to recover with or without prescribed antibiotics.
It’s important to take your dog to the vet if they exhibit signs of illness, as a cold or flu left untreated can turn into pneumonia or high fever. So, even if you are planning on treating your dog’s cold at home, at least call your vet first to get their OK, especially if your dog has never had a noticeable cold before.
A great way to relieve your poor dog’s coughing and sinus pressure is to place a humidifier in the room, much like we do when our heads fill like balloons. This helps to clear our dogs’ airways and allow them to cough up mucous more easily. Even boiling water on the stove (do not leave a burning pot alone) can help to increase moisture in the air and help your dog feel better fast. Running a steamy shower and placing your dog in the bathroom to inhale the steamy fumes helps as well.
Give your dog chicken broth. This not only keeps your dog hydrated, but helps to open their airways and soothes their throat, just like chicken soup does for people. It also helps make the duration of a cold last less long, due to the nutrients in the broth. Just try to go with a natural chicken broth, or boil un-flavored chicken yourself, and feed your dog the broth.
Some herbs reputed to be a good natural remedy for dogs with colds and respiratory illnesses. Elder flower tea an mullein leaves can help soothe your dog’s symptoms and possibly make their illness go away sooner. For dosage instructions, contact your local vet to make sure you are not overdosing your dog.
Source:
dog-health-guide.org
