Animal has a cold: causes, symptoms and treatment

With the onset of cold weather, pets are at a higher risk of catching a cold. Pets with strong immunity are least susceptible to this phenomenon, but there are exceptions to this rule.

Against the background of hypothermia, a pet can get rhinitis or the flu, its upper respiratory tract can become infected, and this process can be fatal without a timely visit to the veterinarian.

Why did the pet catch a cold?

Often, the pet owner can figure out what caused the deterioration of their four-legged friend's health. Symptoms characteristic of a cold can occur under the following conditions:

• Hypothermia of the body or its individual parts. This can happen if the pet is in a draft, indoors or outdoors where the air temperature is low.
• Weak immunity. It can occur in case of vitamin deficiency and unbalanced diet.
• Consequences of staying in the cold after swimming, getting caught in the rain or snow.

You can reduce your pet's risk of catching a cold. Choose the right diet and don't reduce the amount of food unless there are indications. Do not allow your cat or dog to lie on a draft or cold floor if its coat is wet. It should be wiped with a dry towel or dried.

Signs of a cold in animals

Colds cause great discomfort to pets. It affects the respiratory system, and temporarily the important organ of perception of aromas may not function fully. There are some signs characteristic of a cold:

• Nasal congestion.
• Runny nose.
• Coughing and sneezing.
• Fever.
• Inflamed mucous membranes.
• Lethargy and passivity.
• Refusal to eat, but increased thirst.

The animal may have been exposed to a virus. To accurately understand the cause of the ailment, you need to visit a veterinary clinic. After examination and diagnosis, the correct diagnosis will be made, and then we can talk about therapy.

Treatment of colds in animals

Are you waiting for the disease to go away on its own? This is the wrong way to go, because an advanced cold can develop into pneumonia, provoke kidney disease, and even rheumatism. Any medications should be given only after a visit to an Animal Clinic therapist.

The specialist can recommend fever-reducing, painkillers, antihistamines, and sedatives. Depending on the diagnosis, drops, antibiotics, or antiviral drugs may be prescribed.

Once you receive a veterinarian's prescription, follow it strictly. If your pet has a fever, put it in a warm place, cover it well, and provide access to light food and clean drinking water.