Cold Treatment for Pugs

Since dogs do not catch colds in the same sense that humans do, those cold symptoms you see in your dog may actually be something much more serious, such as an upper respiratory infection, kennel cough or even distemper. Since pugs already have a tough time breathing, home cold treatment should usually be combined with a visit to your vet.

  1. Symptoms

    • Coughing, sneezing, runny nose, eye discharge or vomiting are common symptoms that point to a cold in a pug, but these symptoms can be a number of different infections.

    Home Treatment

    • Just like with humans, you should keep your sick pug warm and dry, while limiting time spent outside during cold weather or rain. Also, during any type of cold treatment, keep your sick pug away from other animals in case the virus or bacteria is contagious.

    Food and Water

    • If your dog's appetite is weak, add chicken or other high-nutrient food to the bowl to coax her to eat. This food also promotes a healthier immune system. Pedialyte or Propel may entice your pug to drink and give him much-needed electrolytes.

    When is a Vet Needed?

    • Puppies, older pugs or dogs with underlying medical conditions should always visit a vet at the first sign of sneezing, coughing or stuffy nose. Most healthy, adult pugs will be able to fight off a cold, but if your pug stops eating, appears extremely weak or lethargic, vomits a great deal, stops urinating, refuses to drink water or fails to improve within three to four days, then you should visit the vet right away.

    Considerations

    • Pugs have short, compressed nasal passages that lend well to respiratory infections. If you pug appears sick, check his temperature to make sure it is at 102.5 degrees, as anything higher may point to a more serious problem.

    Medical Treatment

    • Vets will prescribe an antibiotic that will help treat any infections and limit other health issues from occurring while the immune system fights a virus. Sometimes, vets will prescribe a nasal spray, but this is uncommon with pugs. Homeopathic remedies are also available, but discuss them with your vet before administering.