Cold and flu season is here, and while you can’t pass your “people cold” onto your dog, he can still catch a case of the canine sniffles. 

Dog health is important to us at Parkside Animal Hospital, and we’re here to help diagnose your dog’s symptoms so that you know if it’s just a common cold virus or something more serious. 

Symptoms of Colds in Dogs

Your dog’s symptoms will be much like yours when you have a cold, so get the box of tissues ready! Your dog might exhibit the following: 

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Napping more than usual
• And even though he can’t tell us, his throat may be sore as well.  

These dog cold symptoms could be the result of a simple cold virus, allergies, or they could point to a more serious condition, such as kennel cough. Be on the lookout for escalating symptoms, such as loss of appetite, vomiting, fever, or diarrhea, which warrant an immediate call to your veterinarian. 

Comfort Care for Your Canine’s Cold

If your dog is displaying mild dog cold symptoms, be sure he has plenty of water nearby and allow him to rest as much as he needs to. 

He may find comfort from a humidifier, or you can allow him in the bathroom while you shower so that the steam can loosen his congestion. 

Use a soft cloth or tissue to wipe his runny eyes and nose, and isolate him from other pets in the household. 

Diagnosing Other Conditions

If he doesn’t improve or his symptoms worsen, the best thing to do is schedule an examination so that we can properly diagnose his condition. A variety of other illnesses can cause similar symptoms, including the following:

• Environmental or pollen allergies 
• Kennel cough, a respiratory infection. If your dog is coughing forcefully, contact us immediately. 
• Canine distemper, but most dogs are vaccinated against this during routine visits. If you are unsure of your dog’s vaccination status, contact us.

Prevention is Key

To boost your dog’s health year round and minimize his chances of becoming ill, follow these tips from our team:

• Stay up-to-date with vaccines: Vaccines are available to protect dogs from kennel cough, parvo, distemper, leptospirosis, canine influenza, and other illnesses. 

• Clean their belongings: Toys, and food and water bowls can harbor bacteria. Be sure to clean them regularly, especially if they share with other pets. 

• Feed him a quality diet: Good nutrition is a natural immune booster for all of us! Be sure your dog is enjoying a healthy diet that meets his individual needs. 

• Keep him emotionally healthy, too: Provide your dog with plenty of cuddles, love, and enrichment activities. 

Don’t hesitate to contact us at (705) 223-3404 if your dog seems under the weather. We’re here to help!