What to Do If a Dog Has a Cold? Symptom Identification and Prevention and Treatment Methods

[Causes]

The main cause is exposure to cold, and it is even more likely to occur when feeding and management are improper. For example, sleeping outdoors on cold nights, lying on cold ground for long periods, exposure to drafty wind, being rained on after heavy sweating, or being stimulated by cold water when wading across rivers, and being kept in a cold, damp environment for a long time can all lower the resistance of the upper respiratory tract mucosa and promote the occurrence of this disease.

[Key Diagnostic Points]

The sick dog is depressed, listless in expression, has uneven skin temperature, and the ear tips and nose tip are cool. The conjunctiva is congested or mildly swollen, with tearing, and body temperature is elevated. There is often coughing and watery nasal discharge. The sick dog's nasal mucosa itches, and it often scratches its nose with its front paws. In severe cases, it fears cold and light, has a dry mouth and tongue, rapid breathing, and an increased pulse rate.

Diagnosis is usually not difficult based on symptoms such as coughing, runny nose, elevated body temperature, uneven skin temperature, and photophobia with tearing, combined with a history of exposure to cold.

[Prevention and Treatment Measures]

First, in the early stage, inject 30% analgin, antipyrine liquid, or pyralgin liquid intramuscularly once a day, 2 ml each time. Paracetamol can also be taken orally at a dosage of 0.1-1 g per dose.

Second, improve feeding and management conditions, pay attention to keeping warm, prevent drafty wind, and strengthen cold protection measures when the climate changes suddenly. Pay attention to daily cold-resistance training to enhance the dog's resistance.