When it comes to best friends, a dog fits right in there at the top of the list. So when your canine catches a cold, only the best treatment will do. If you suspect that your furry friend has a cold, take him to see the veterinarian. Unfortunately, cold symptoms can also be a sign of something more serious, such as a respiratory infection. In either case, quick treatment is essential, and the following remedies will help arrest the cold before you get your dog to the vet's.
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Vitamin C Treatment
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Canine cold symptoms are similar to those of humans. These usually consist of dry mouth, runny nose, sneezing, and sluggish behavior. When you first notice the symptoms of the cold, give your canine about 45 mg. of vitamin C, which is about the same dosage found in a child's chewable vitamin. Dogs naturally produce Vitamin C in their bodies, but an extra boost will help the immune system during times when the dog is sick or otherwise distressed.
It should be noted that you should be careful to not exceed this dosage. Giving your canine a 500 mg. tablet could result in damage to the lining of the stomach, which could later form ulcers. A small amount of Vitamin C is OK, but large amounts should be avoided.
The easiest way to get the canine to swallow the Vitamin C is in the form of a pill. Try wrapping the pill in a piece of cheese. If your dog is suspicious, feed him a few small pieces of plain cheese first, then slip him the one that has the Vitamin C pill inside. If this does not work, crush the pill and mix the contents into canned dog food.
Natural Commercial Remedies
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Colloidal silver can be used to treat colds in canines, and it will make the cold completely vanish. The amount taken is based on the size and age of the dog, but is generally not more than a full teaspoon. This is a natural antibiotic but also very strong. Dogs that are small or old can be given 1/2 tsp. per day. Larger dogs can be given 1 tsp. per day, as long as they are not old.
There are other remedies such as Respo-K that contain vitamins, minerals, herbs, and homeopathic ingredients that not only treat colds but also other respiratory infections. A canine can also take children's cough medicine but should only do so if the veterinarian approves and determines the correct dosage.
Care and Prevention
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When your dog has a cold, there are some things that can be done to prevent another cold from coming on while she's fighting off the first one and her immune system is recovering.
Protect your dog from too much cold air and limit her time spent outside. The cold will restrict her breathing passages. Placing a humidifier where your dog sleeps or spends the most time will help open her airways. Because of clogged air passages, your dog may not be able to smell her food, or she may lose her appetite. Encourage your canine to eat and help boost her immune system by offering boiled chicken with rice.
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