Treatments for Dog Sneezes Due to a Cold

Canine colds are the result of a respiratory infection that produces symptoms similar to human colds, although not caused by the same virus. Symptoms include fever, congestion, coughing and sneezing. If your dog is sneezing due to a canine cold, there are measures to take to treat both the sneezing and the infection to ease symptoms and make the dog more comfortable. By treating the symptoms of the illness and properly treating the illness itself, the dog will be back to normal in no time.

  1. Herbal Supplements

    • Certain herbal supplements are effective in treating various aspects of a canine cold, from infection to nasal discharge and sneezing. Supplements to use include Echinacea and allium cepa. Ready made herbal remedies at pet stores are also available to treat canine respiratory infections. Consult your veterinarian concerning which herbal supplements are best for your dog's needs.

    Vitamin Supplements

    • Vitamin supplements such as vitamin C and vitamin E are helpful in treating sneezing due to a canine cold. Vitamin C promotes overall immune health and helps the dog fight off the infection. Vitamin E keeps mucous membrane tissue healthy, as well as promoting skin health (for irritated noses due to sneezing.) Both vitamins are helpful in relieving inflammation of the nose and nasal passages to relieve sneezing and discomfort related to sneezing. A veterinarian can recommend dosage.

    Ointment

    • A dog's nose may become red, irritated or sore after a period of sneezing due to a cold. To ease discomfort of the nose, apply ointments such as calendula or aloe vera. These treatments are all natural and safe for use on dogs that may lick their noses after treatment.

    Supportive Care

    • Rest keeps a dog quiet and helps prevent further inflammation or irritation of the nasal passages. Rest also helps the dog's body heal from the infection more quickly. Proper nutrition by means of a balanced diet helps a dog kick the infection and stop sneezing. Keep your dog warm and dry, and keep it indoors until the cold clears up.

    Medicated Drops

    • A veterinarian can provide a medicated nose drop to apply to the dog's nostrils. This medication soothes inflammation and helps prevent further sneezing. The medication also helps fight infection from the cold.

    Antibiotics

    • Antibiotics treat any bacterial infections that may have caused the dog's cold. As the infection clears, so will the sneezing. Antibiotics have no effect on a cold caused by a virus. A veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics for viral colds, however, to prevent secondary bacterial infections from setting up.

    Breathing Treatment

    • Run a vaporizer near the dog's sleeping area. Turn the shower on in the bathroom, allowing hot water to run for a few minutes to create a steam room. Place the dog in the room for 5 to 10 minutes. Either of these measures help relieve nasal congestion and keep a sneezing dog breathing more easily.

    Nose Wiping

    • Keep the dog's nose clean while it recovers from a cold and sneezing. Use baby wipes, a soft, damp cloth or cotton balls to remove any discharge from the dog's nose after sneezing. This keeps the dog comfortable and helps prevent the spread of infection to other pets.