Your dog is sneezing, coughing and obviously tired. His eyes are red, he has a runny nose, and he would probably ask for a tissue if he knew how. An everyday cold? Possibly, and it can make him feel miserable. Just like the human common cold, it will have to run its course since there's no real cure. But there are several steps you can take to make him more comfortable until he feels better.
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Home Care
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You can treat your dog's cold much as you would treat your own. Keep him dry and warm, and if the weather is cold, keep him inside as much as possible. Bronchial tubes can constrict when exposed to cold air, and if your dog's nose is already stuffy, the cold air will make it more difficult for him to breath. Try a cool mist vaporizer to relieve his stuffy nose while he's sleeping. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the vaporizer's water is also effective. To help boost his immune system while he's sick, make sure he receives good nutrition. He may not feel like eating, so try to coax him with a special treat, such as boiled chicken. He may even go for the time-honored cold remedy of chicken soup, but make sure you cool it first.
Medications
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You might take an over-the-counter antihistamine when you have a cold, but don't give one to your dog without your veterinarian's permission. Your dog's doctor may advise you to give him children's cold medicine. Follow your vet's directions carefully, as the dose that works for humans may be too strong for dogs.
When to Call the Vet
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If your dog doesn't recover quickly, take him to the vet. Some canine respiratory diseases mimic cold symptoms. Parainfluenza, kennel cough and canine distemper all start with respiratory symptoms. Distemper, in particular, is an extremely serious and sometimes fatal illness in dogs. Besides cold-like symptoms, dogs with distemper may vomit and have a fever. Your vet will check out your dog and prescribe appropriate treatment if the illness is more than just a common cold. The doctor may even give your dog an antibiotic for the cold. It won't help fight the cold virus, but it can stop bacteria that can make your dog even sicker while he fights the cold. Puppies and older dogs should always pay a visit to the vet at the first sign of a cold, since it is more difficult for them to fight any infection.
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