Mary Allen
Sneezing, coughing, runny nose: a cold expresses itself in dogs and cats in a similar way to us humans. How do you avoid your pet getting sick? PetReader gives tips.
It seems like an unwritten law: As soon as the temperatures slowly drop, the rain increases and the days get shorter, our noses turn into rows of red, dripping prongs again.
It is true that pets like dogs and cats cannot get the flu, but they can get flu-like infections. It can be caused by viruses or bacteria.
In cats, for example, most colds are caused by the feline herpes virus and the feline calicivirus. However, colds in pets can also be caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria.
Common Cold Symptoms in Pets
These signs indicate that your pet has a cold:
- Sneeze
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Mild fever
- Cough
- Loss of appetite
- Apathy
How to Treat Colds in Dogs and Cats
Very important: you can’t just give your cat or dog medications that are actually meant for humans. Even other alternative human remedies, such as those based on essential oils, tend to harm animals more than they provide relief.
Other home remedies we use to relieve cold symptoms also help dogs and cats. Including:
- Chicken Soup: Contains important nutrients to aid recovery.
- Humidification of the air in the living area: it is pleasant for irritated mucous membranes.
You can also help your four-legged friend by gently wiping stubborn crusts off their eyes or nose with a damp cloth. Also, make sure your pet continues to eat and drink enough.
To keep your pet especially warm during an illness, you can put an extra blanket in the basket or in his favorite place. If possible, you should clean the place daily to prevent re-infection of your pet.
The following applies to all of these measures: they may relieve symptoms, but not cure the disease. In milder cases, symptoms usually resolve within a few days. Just give the animal some rest and time to get better again. In more severe cases, a veterinarian will help.
Should My Pet See the Vet if it Has a Cold?
As a dog or cat owner, you must closely monitor the health of your sick pet. If after a few days there is no improvement, be sure to make an appointment with the veterinarian – this will prevent the development of cold into full-fledged pneumonia.
You should also be careful with old or young animals, as well as with dogs or cats that have had an illness. This is because your pet may be more susceptible to the effects of a cold. As a general rule, you should consult your veterinarian if the animal begins to cough, has trouble breathing, has discharge from the eyes or nose, or stops eating.
“These are all signs that more intensive care is needed,” explains veterinarian Dr. Rachel Barack. It is often easier to treat the condition right from the start – and your veterinarian can prescribe the correct medication when in doubt.
How Can I Protect My Pet from Disease?
To prevent your dog or cat from getting sick, you can use tips to protect your pet: make sure your pet does not come into contact with sick animals and provide him with a balanced diet and adequate exercise.
Your dog should not lie on the ground for too long in cold, snowy, or wet conditions. After walking in the rain, you should also dry it thoroughly – this also applies to your outdoor cat.
Animals can also be vaccinated against some common colds such as feline flu, parainfluenza, or kennel cough.