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Is it even possible for your pet to have dog colds? Headache, runny nose, fever, sneezing and even cough at times: these are the signs and symptoms that us humans tend to experience when we are down with a cold. But did you know that having a cold is a sickness that is not exclusive on humans, your beloved pekingese (or any dog) can get it too. So, how would you know if your pet is already having a cold? What are their signs and symptoms of the disease? And the most important question of all, what should you do when he gets a cold?

There is one fact that I think most people already know, but I would still tell you; Dogs are more exposed to germs than us, especially if you often leave them outdoors. So, don’t wonder how he gets it. As a matter of fact, colds are quite common to them every now and then, you might not even noticed it. The most common way for them to contract the cold is through sudden weather changes.

And don’t get me wrong here, winter is not the only time of year to worry about in catching a cold, though it is the most ‘prime’ time to get it. Especially that it is the only time of year that we spend more time indoors with closed windows and doors and no way to let the germs escape. It is only a matter or time before any member of the family would get sick.

There is a difference in the viruses that causes colds on dogs and humans, though the sign and symptoms are just the same: watery eyes, stuffy/runny nose, coughing and sneezing. Let us get one thing straight here, the disease is not communicable between two species – so there’s no need to worry about your pet catching your cold or vice versa.

Dog Colds

Prevention

As always, prevention is always better than cure. No one would want to see any member of the family getting sick, and that includes your pet. Before we try to treat your pet, let us first talk about how to prevent it in the first place. According to the preventative medicine experts, it is ideal that you give your bet a healthy meat-based diet and pair it with clean filtered water. If you are the kind of owner who buys canned dog foods, then get the one that has the fewest ingredients listed and the one that has the most meat protein. At all times, avoid grain-based foods since they are so common in the grocery. Try to give him lots of exercise to boost his immune system and don’t forget his vitamins. If you follow these simple guidelines, then the chances of your pet getting colds would be close to none. Always bear in mind that a healthy and intact immune system is the best defense your pet could ever have.

Spotting it Early

Do you know how to tell if your pet already has a cold? It is rather easy since they would undergo the same signs and symptoms that we humans undergo. The only thing that differs us from them is the fact that we can voice out our discomforts and pain while they can’t. Common signs and symptoms would be watery eyes, greenish or yellowish nasal discharge, wheezing, coughing and sneezing. There are times that what seems like a cold to you but in reality it is something more serious already so better be vigilant. Respiratory problems often start with colds then later on becomes more serious. Some common diseases that are related to colds are canine para-influenza, pneumonia, canine distemper and kennel cough. So you better know if your pet only has a simple cold or something serious is already brewing inside. Take action immediately.

TLC (Tender Loving Care)

Boosting their immune system naturally is your best option in order your pet’s colds would be treated and their discomfort would be gone. Give him a nutrtious, rich diet and keep him warm at all times. Especially during the winter season, let him warm up inside your home and offer him old blankets which he could use to be more warmer. And another thing is for you to increase his fluid intake. Either plain water or broth, either ways you can offer it to him. These are just basic things that we, as pet parents can do in order to help our sick pets. If in the next few days your pet won’t get better, then it is wise to bring him to the vet for a thorough check up. It may not be a simple cold already.

Dogs can have a like just like you and me. Help him prevent catching dog colds by learning how to spot the symptoms and signs of this respiratory disease and how to treat it before it develops into a more serious illness.

How do you intervene with your dog’s colds? Do you cook for him like what other pet parents do? Don’t be shy and share with us your secret maneuver so that your pet would recover quickly.