What To Do When Your Dog Has a Cold

Even experienced dog owners find themselves asking questions such as: “Can dogs get colds?” While we all wish that our beloved pets were immune from petty illnesses such as colds, that’s just not the case. Whether you’re established with access to specialty veterinarian services or not, it’s important to know what you should do when your dog has a cold. Follow these simple tips to get your dog back to feeling better.

Visit a Reputable Veterinarian

First and foremost, it’s helpful to know that if your dog has a cold, it is not the same type of cold that plagues humans. Sometimes dog owners feel guilty or responsible for their dog’s illness. When it comes to colds, you don’t have to worry about this. While dogs can get colds, they are quite different than the colds humans get.

When you discover that your dog has a cold, it’s a good idea to visit a reputable veterinarian right away. Doing so within an accurate time frame can help you to slow the symptoms down and assist the recovery of your pet’s immune system. No one wants to see their dog suffer from the result of a cold, so seeing a veterinarian as soon as possible is your best bet to help them toward a full, speedy recovery.

Watch and Wait

Depending on the severity of your dog’s cold, you may be able to wait for it to go away. Some dogs have a stronger ability to combat illness. In this case, it’s not so bad to allow them to fight the cold off on their own. However, you should never avoid visiting their veterinarian if things aren’t improving.

Symptoms of a cold:

Maintain Regular Visits to the Veterinarian’s Office

When it comes to preventing your dog from ever getting sick in the first place, it’s a good idea to make sure you take them to the vet on a regular schedule. The frequency of visits will vary depending on the type and age of your dog. For example, veterinarians recommend twice-yearly checkups for older pets. Younger dogs, while still prone to illnesses such as the cold, may require fewer visits depending on their general state of health. It’s always advised to check in with your veterinarian to see what kind of schedule is right for your particular pet.

If you’ve ever found yourself the question “Can dogs get colds?” then the chances are that you are a caring and responsible pet owner. This is a fundamental aspect of making sure your dog maintains his or her health and wellbeing. But, of course, there is only so much you can do on your own. You’ll need the help of a dependable veterinarian at some point in your dog’s life, especially if your dog has a cold or another illness.

You don’t need to wait for an emergency to become familiar with our veterinary services. Get the best care you can find for all of your pet’s health needs. We are more than just an animal hospital. Contact us today or directly call us at 520-888-3177 for more information about our specialty and 24-hour emergency services.