snotty dog - cold?

Hi,

Can dogs get colds? Paddy (SBT) sounds like his nose is blocked and is very snotty. He sneezes occasionally but isn't coughing. He seems fine in himself (eating, drinking, playing etc). Any ideas?

Thanks

Russ

Yes dogs can get colds like people, however, it could also be an allergic reaction so best pop your dog along to the vets to make sure he's well.
Becky

Hi Russ dogs do get respiratory tract infections similar to human colds, but these tend to be species specific.

As Mahooli says Paddy could also be having an allergic reaction, have you had anything new in the house since the problem started? (Carpet cleaner, scented candles that type of thing)

It could also be the start of Kennel Cough so needs to be watched, if it gets worse or continues for more than a short time best to see the vet . If you do go to the vets it is a good idea not to take Paddy into the vets waiting room in case it is an infection , let them know you have arrived and wait in the car to be called in.

click here for info on Kennel Cough

Thanks for your replies. We are not overly concerned about Paddy he is other than a snotty nose his usual self. If the vets wasnt going to be closed for a few days we would be seeing how he was tomorrow (Know what I mean?) This only started yesterday, and last night his nose was dry but this morning he is snotty again.

Yes there are alot of new things in the house, a sented candle was a gift for Xmas (But we usually have these, but not this type) We have a new plug in air fresh (again we usually have one but not this type) then there are all the kids new toys etc.

At this moment in time you wouldnt think there was anything wrong with him, he is running around the house playing with the kids But get close to him and he is still snotty although not as bad as first thing this morning.

Sounds like an allergy. Can I suggest, as you cant whip him off to the vet, that you try Childrens Piriton, just a small dose and if that clears him up you know it's an allergy!
Oh another thing, and I apologise for this, is his snot green or clear, clear usually means allergy, green usually means infection. Remember though that there are always exceptions to every rule!
Becky

His snotty nose is clear/cloudy (Not green).
We have not had any candles/airfresh or plugins in for at least 24 hrs.
My son suffers from hayfever so we have some Piriton. How much would you suggest? Paddy is a big boy (19kg LOL) On the label it suggests 1-2 years 1 x 2.5ml only twice a day, 2-12 years 1 x 2.5ml every 4 hrs.

Thanks very much for your help. And just for your information, I just checked his nose at at the moment its dry. Weird dog that he is!!!

Just to update all on this post...

We monitored Paddy and, whilst his sneeze remained, it did come and go.

Yesterday however he started coughing occasionally (like he was trying to clear his throat) so we had him to the vet today. He seemed to think he had Tracheobronchitis (Kennel cough) and has put him on a 10 day course of antibiotics. We have to take him back after the 10 days if he still has the symptoms.

Many thanks for all your advice.