What are the treatment methods for a dog cold?

[Causes]

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

[Key points of diagnosis]

The sick dog is listless, apathetic, 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, often with coughing and watery nasal discharge. The nasal mucosa of the sick dog is itchy, 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.

Usually, 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, it is not difficult to make a confirmed diagnosis.

[Prevention and treatment measures]

First, in the early stage, intramuscular injection of 30% analgin, antipyrine analgesic liquid, or pyramidon liquid, once a day, 2 milliliters each time. Paracetamol can also be taken orally, with a dosage of 0.1-1 gram per time.

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

Third, it is secondary to the spread of certain infectious diseases or inflammation of adjacent organs.

[Key points of diagnosis]

(1) In the early stage of acute rhinitis, the nasal mucosa is congested and swollen, with frequent sneezing. The sick dog often shakes its head or scratches its nose with its front paws, after which nasal discharge flows from one or both nostrils, initially transparent and serous, later becoming seromucous or mucopurulent, and after drying forms scabs around the nostrils. When the condition is severe, the nasal mucosa is obviously swollen, making the nasal cavity narrow and affecting breathing, and nasal obstruction sounds can often be heard. When accompanied by conjunctivitis, there is photophobia and tearing. When accompanied by pharyngitis, the sick dog shows difficulty swallowing, coughing, and enlarged mandibular lymph nodes.

(2) Chronic rhinitis develops slowly, with nasal discharge varying in amount, mostly mucopurulent. If the inflammation spreads to the paranasal sinuses, it can often cause bone necrosis and tissue disintegration, so the nasal discharge may contain blood streaks and have a foul odor. Chronic rhinitis can often become a cause of asphyxia or brain disease, and attention should be paid to it.

A confirmed diagnosis can be made based on nasal symptoms, such as congestion and swelling of the nasal mucosa, nasal discharge, sneezing, and scratching the nose.

[Prevention and treatment measures]

For the treatment of rhinitis, the cause should first be removed, the sick dog should be placed in a warm environment, training should be stopped, and proper rest should be given. Generally speaking, mildly affected dogs with acute disease often recover without medication. For severe rhinitis, the following drugs can be selected to irrigate the nasal cavity of the sick dog: 1% saline, 2%-3% boric acid solution, 1% sodium bicarbonate solution, 0.1% potassium permanganate solution, etc., but when irrigating the nasal cavity, the sick dog's head must be lowered, and after irrigation, anti-inflammatory agents should be dripped into the nose. To promote blood vessel constriction and reduce sensitivity, 0.1% adrenaline or phenyl salicylate (salol) in paraffin oil (1:10) can be used as nasal drops, and nasal drops such as naphazoline nasal drops can also be used.