DogCold

[ker310]

I took my dog to the vet last week because he had a sore nose...runny with yellow and green boogers. I told the vet that i thought he just had a cold. We moved last year from a warm climate to here (where we now have snow) so I thought he was just getting use to the weather. Anyways the vet said dogs DO NOT get colds...if they have runny or boogerie noses they have an infection in their system somewhere. So she gave me antibiotics for my dog. We have since finished the antibiotics and he still has a sore runny nose. Any suggestions??
He is a male great dane 4 yrs old.
Thanks any help would be appreciated!

[paws4prayer]

I'm surprised your vet didn't mention the growing incidents of the dog flu. It can spread anywhere there are dogs in numbers -- dog shows, dog parks, kennels, etc.

In most dogs with normal immune systems, they'll suffer symptoms of a cold and/or cough with a low grade fever for up to a couple of weeks, and then they seem to recover just fine. Antibiotics really won't help unless they develop a secondary BACTERIAL infection (pneumonia, etc) which a few dogs will do. And some dogs get sick but never show any symptoms (but freely pass it on).

It's not something I worry about every day, myself; perhaps you can offer some additional support to your dog's immune system (ester C tablets, probiotics, etc) to help support his recovery from whatever this is.

I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing that your doctor prescribed antibiotics, but in many cases, I think they are way overprescribed for animals too! In the case of the dog flu, time and TLC are usually all that are needed. Start him on the Ester C and the probiotics, and see if he improves. They can only help.

Hope your baby feel better soon!

[ker310]

Thank you for replying, my only concern with the flu is...he has had no coughing, and we live in the middle of nowhere so he has no contact with other animals. He has also had this runny nose with green boogies for almost 2 months. I will try the Ester C and the probiotics. Thanks again.

[I<3MyDog]

Hi! I need some one to tell me what is the best way to keep a dog cool in the summer...

[nlisac]

Depending on the dog I suppose- but my parents retriever loves my sister's old little wading pool- he'll splash around and even lay down in it and it really cools him down on a hot day. Again, as long as the dog isn't scared you could spray him down with an outside water hose. Make sure they have lots of cold fresh water and don't leave them outside in the heat too long. And if you live in a place thta's really hot, and you own an air conditioner, bring him in that room with you.

[Kippsmommy]

Does your dog cough really loud?
if so it could be kennel cough. My lab had a cold like this and my vet suggested children's benedryl one time a day for two weeks. What kind of food is your dog on?
Food, meds and sleep are very important factors for recovery.

[lovecoton's]

Hi Ker310,
I sent you a private message but wanted to note here that I agree with the replies that have been posted. If it is a virus that your friend has an antibiotic will not help, except to prevent a secondary bacterial infection.
I am telling people hear each time of the homeopathic formulas that are so very effective for health problems.
We have tried the Flu / cold formula that the company that I deal with has and it is nothing short of awesome, I have people taking it daily or wkly on a preventative basis.
:) Indications for Use: For fast relief of fever, chills, achiness, nausea, fatigue, headaches, congestion, coughs and sneezing. Prevents cold & flu symptoms when taken at the beginning stages.

Other helpful natural medicines: Allergies & Hay Fever · Sinus Relief · 911 Stress Control

Colds & Flu Ingredients: Arsenicum Album · Baptisia Tinctoria · Bryonia Alba · Dulcamara · Echinacea Angustifolia · Echinacea Purpurea · Eupatorium Perfoliatum · Ferrum Phosphoricum · Gelsemium Sempervirens · Kali Muriaticum· Phosphorus · Pulsatilla · Sulphur · Zincum Aceticum · Zincum Carbonicum · Zincum Metallicum · Zincum Muriaticum · Zincum Oxydatum · Zincum Picricum · Zincum Valerianicum. Each ingredient is in equal volumes of 10x, 30x, and 100x potencies in a pure water base.

These are wonderful to give as they are water base and so you just lift the lip!!! Well if you are interested please contact me. I would love to give you more info. In the meantime do take care Peggy;)