dog colds

Question
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Followup To
Question -
I have a 8 month old Frenchie that has what appears to be a regular old head cold like a person would catch....Never knew or thought of this???? Any advice or simple treatment would be helpful...Dog is not coughing, but does sneeze with nose drainage.....

Thanks,


Jerry
Answer -
Hi Jerry!First of all,is your dog coughing?I need to know in order to answer your question.Please explain his symtoms more descriptivly.I know the proper good,hom treatment,so please write back so I can help you and your pooch.Thank you.

Answer
Hi Jerry!
This is probably a sinus problem.Giving your dog a hot,steaming meal will do more than tickle his taste buds.The heat will also help unclog bloked sinuses,helping him to breathe easier.To fix him a hot meal,just add warm water to his kibble to make a soothing,streaming broth.Or pop his usual food in the microwave for a minute for a minute or two.Just don't get it so hot it burns his mouth.

While a pet with sinusitis may not feel like eating,it's important to provide goof nutrition to keep his immune system strong and help him recover.You should tempt him with his favorite food.Dogs enjoy a snack of cooked liver.

Sinusitis may cause large amounts of mucus to accumulate around the nostrils,which will make your pet uncomfortable and possibly interfrer with breathing.Sponge his face with a warm,damp cloth to remove secretions before they cause problems.

If the nose is already very irritated or sore,you've got to be gentle when you rub his face.You should wipe the nose with baby wipes,moistened towelettes that contain soothing ingreadiest such as aloe vera.

Putting moisture into the air is an easy way to soothe irritated mucous membranes and unclog blocked sinuses.You should take him in the bathroom when you shower.A steamy bathroom can be helpful.

Another way to put soothing moisture into the air is with a hot water vaporizer.Adding a little menthol ointment or liquid to the mix can be particularly helpful.The menthol has a soothing action on delicate tissues and helps open the sinuses.Using a cold water humidifier will also help keep the mucous membranes moist and comfortable.

Putting several drops of sterile saline nose drops,which are available in drugstores,into pet's nostrils will help relieve irritation and temporarily thin secretions,helping unclog the sinuses.Just tip your pet's head back and put one or two drops into each nostril.

This may also be a fever.A hot,dry nose doesn't mean taht a dog has a fever.You can only tell a raised temperature by checking the lower abdomen or the inside of the thighs.If these areas feel unusually warm even when the dog hasn't been exercising you should take the dogs temperature.Use a thin,unbreakable thermometer.The digital kind with signal tone is best because it reacts more quickly than regular ones.Lubricate the tip with Vaseline..Then hold the standing dog steady (it helps to have two people),lift up it's tail,and insert the thermometer,at a slight upward angle,a little over 1 inch (3 cm) into the rectum.The regular old fashioned thermometers have to be kept in place for 2 to 3 minutes.A digital thermometer can be removed after one minute (after the sound of the signal).If the temperature is above 102.2'F (39'C) in a small dog or above 101.3'F (38.5'C) in a big dog,this has been considered a fever.A temperature that is below normal ( below 100.4'F or 38'C) can also be a sign of illness.

         WHEN TO SEE A VET
While sinus problems may be caused by nothing more serious than a grass seed sniffed into the schnozz,in som cases it's a warning sign that a bacterial infection has taken hold.In fact,nasal discharge from one nostril can also be a sign of cancer.If your peet has a fever and thick,discoloured mucus and seems to be unusually tired or lethargic,call your vet.He may prescribe antibiotivs or other medications to keep the infection under control.

Before trying this,be sure to call your vet and see whats best.I hope this helps!Nicole.D.