What are the Symptoms of a Dog Cold?

Okay, picture this: your usually bouncy, tail-wagging buddy is suddenly a little…off. Instead of zoomies, you’re seeing lethargy. Instead of happy barks, you’re hearing sniffles. Yep, your furry friend might be battling a cold. The telltale signs include things like sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, watery eyes, and a decrease in energy. It’s not a fun time for them (or for you), but the good news is that recognizing these symptoms early can help you get your pup feeling better faster. Let’s dig into what these symptoms really look like.

Sniffles, Sneezes, and a Drippy Nose: The Respiratory Red Flags

So, let’s talk about the classic cold stuff – the respiratory issues. Just like us, dogs get that annoying tickle in their nose that leads to sneezing fits. It’s not just one or two polite sneezes; we’re talking full-blown, head-shaking, sometimes even slightly dramatic sneezes. Then there’s the runny nose. Now, a healthy dog’s nose is usually a little damp, but if you see a constant drip, or if the discharge is yellow or green, that’s a big clue that a cold (or something worse) is afoot. Keep an eye out for coughing, too. It can range from a soft hack to a loud, persistent cough. Pay attention to what kind of cough it is. A dry, hacking cough could be a sign of kennel cough, which is a bit more serious than a typical cold. These respiratory signs are usually the most obvious, and they’re often the first ones to pop up.

Tired Pup: When Energy Levels Take a Dive

Have you noticed your dog suddenly uninterested in chasing squirrels or playing fetch? Lethargy or a significant dip in energy is a major indicator that your dog isn’t feeling their best. I mean, these guys are usually balls of happy, tail-wagging energy, so when they’re suddenly laying around and not as enthusiastic, you know something’s not right. We’re not just talking about them being a little lazy, we’re talking about a noticeable difference in their typical behavior. They might sleep more than usual, be less keen on their walkies, or even turn down treats (gasp!). This general sense of malaise is their body’s way of saying it needs rest to fight off whatever’s making them feel cruddy. So, if your energetic buddy becomes a couch potato, it’s time to pay attention. Sometimes this can also be accompanied by a lack of appetite. This can be a worrying symptom. If your dog is refusing food it is important to check in with your vet, especially if it lasts for more than 24 hours.

Red Eyes and Other Not-So-Subtle Signs

Aside from the more obvious respiratory and energy changes, there are a few other symptoms to keep an eye out for. Watery eyes can be a common sign of a dog cold, often appearing alongside a runny nose and sneezing. It’s kinda like when we get a cold and our eyes get all goopy, just a bit more doggy-style. Keep an eye for excessive discharge, redness, or unusual swelling in the eyes. Sometimes, a dog might also get a slight fever. You wouldn’t usually notice this unless you know what their normal body temperature is, so it’s a good idea to have a basic pet thermometer on hand. However, if they seem particularly warm to the touch or are panting more than normal, it could be a fever. You might also see them shivering – not because they’re cold, but because their body is working hard to fight off an infection. While these signs may seem subtle, taken together, they can paint a clear picture that your dog isn’t feeling 100%. And, just like with our own colds, sometimes they can be a bit grumpy and more prone to snapping or being irritable. So, patience and gentle handling are key when they are not feeling great.

It’s important to remember that these are just the signs of a typical cold. Sometimes, these symptoms could indicate something more serious, like canine influenza or even pneumonia. If you’re ever worried about your dog, please don’t hesitate to consult your vet. They can accurately diagnose your dog’s condition and recommend the best course of action to get them back to their happy, healthy selves. And remember, lots of TLC, rest, and maybe some yummy bone broth can help them feel better soon.