Can My Dog Catch a Cold? How Can I Prevent It?
Now that January has arrived, colds are an increasing concern for people. You’ve probably noticed this at your workplace while you’ve watched in horror as your coworkers sneezed, sniffled, and coughed in close proximity to the printer. Don’t be alarmed by imagining all of this germ transfer (yuck), but instead use this as motivation to manage your health better by protecting yourself from the weather. And not only do you need extra protection at this time of year, but your dog does as well. This is because exposure to harsh temperatures is more likely to weaken people and pets, making it easier for germs to latch on.
Cold Symptoms in Dogs
Your furry friend’s cold symptoms are not so different from what you might experience. So, you can expect that if he were to catch a cold, he would be likely to display some of the following symptoms:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Runny Nose
- Eye Discharge
- Difficulty Breathing
- Red Eyes
- Loss of Appetite
These are symptoms of the common cold, but upon occasion they can signify more serious problems. If your dog’s symptoms begin to worsen, a rattle in his chest develops, or he stops drinking liquids, a visit to the vet is in order.
Cold Prevention
To protect your dog from germs, you should approach the colder weather as a time to provide him with greater protection from the elements. This might include putting him in a sweater on colder days, buying boots to protect his paws from the snow, limiting time outdoors when there are extreme dips in temperature, and ensuring that he gets plenty of rest and is well-hydrated.
As you can see, your dog’s cold symptoms are very much like your own. So, we recommend that you treat your pet just as you would yourself—with a bowl of chicken soup (no bones, please), lots of liquids, and plenty of rest. In doing so, you can keep your dog healthy this wintertime. And for you, it might not be a bad time to invest in some hand sanitizer to keep at the office!
Categories: Pet Safety, Tips for Your Pets