Is Your Dog Sneezing or Sniffling? 4 Signs of Dog Flu
|Is your dog sniffling and sneezing? Is he or she showing symptoms of the dog flu? Just like their human companions, dogs can “catch a cold.” A virus like a cold can usually be treated at home with fluids and extra rest. But labored breathing, or dyspnea, is a medical emergency. So how do we know the difference? Dogs can’t tell us what’s going on but will give signs that they are not breathing easily.
One Sick Puppy
One of the first clues that your dog may be ill is behavioral changes. Fido may cling to you, following you wherever you go. You may notice irritability or anti-social behavior. Agitation and sudden increased sleep may be clues that your dog is coming down with an illness.
Is it the Dog Flu, or Something Worse?
There are some signs dogs will give that they are not just full and congested, but actually, are having trouble breathing. According to Brimley-Lawrence Animal Clinic, you might notice shallow, rapid breathing, increased panting, wheezing (a high-pitched whistle upon breathing), noisy breathing, frequent gagging, or a noisy cough that disrupts sleep. You may also see nostrils flaring, the chest and/or belly pulling with each breath, a posture where the dog holds his head and neck out and low to the ground, breathing with an open mouth, breathing while keeping the elbows pointed away from the body, and pale gums. These signs herald a possible medical emergency, and you should take your pet in for medical attention as soon as possible.
Common Culprits
So what is the cause of labored breathing in dogs? There are many potential causes. A viral or bacterial infection, a foreign body lodged in the throat, asthma, allergies, and fever are among the possible causes.
What to Expect from the Doctor
Labored breathing is a medical emergency, requiring immediate care from a physician. The doctor will need a complete history of your dog’s health and a summary of the illness. The doctor will carefully observe your pet’s breathing, and give oxygen if appropriate. Your dog’s blood and urine may be tested. X-rays and ultrasounds are other possible diagnostic tests. Your dog may be admitted until the respiratory problem is under control. Your vet may prescribe medications or IV fluids.
When your dog is discharged, carefully follow the veterinarian’s advice. Give medication as ordered, and be sure to attend follow up appointments. Observe your pet for any problems.
Can I give my dogs baby aspirin for their sniffles. Have a labrodor-pit, shiz-shu- chiwawa,and a miniature dushund..
Thank you
Hi Cecilia,
Talk to your veterinarian before giving your pet any human medication. Many are toxic to pets. Even when giving your pet a dog-safe human medication it’s important to get the dosage right. This could vary greatly between your Lab-Pit mix and smaller dogs. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you what medications are okay and how much is appropriate to give your pet.
Aspirin is a pain reliever, not an antihistimine.
Hello, my girl Mocha Latte is sneezing . Is she coming down with a cold or maybe she have allergies?
Hi Shelia,
There are a few different reasons Mocha Latte may be sneezing– your veterinarian can help you narrow down the cause! We hope Mocha Latte is feeling better soon.
I just got a cat and my dog started having these fits of laboured breathing whenever I pick up the cats. May he be allergic? Or getting sick? Or just a dramatic pup vying for mom’s attention?
Hi Michaela,
Congrats on the new feline family member! Your veterinarian or a trainer may help you determine the exact cause of your dog’s breathing–it could be any of those things!
Could sniffling be related to an ear infection or ear yeast? Every two weeks, we bathe our little Pomeranian and an ear wash is included (a small amount of apple cider vinegar and peroxide massaged and cotton balls+headshake to remove)
But in less than 2 weeks, his ears get smelly. Our vet said she didn’t smell anything extraordinary. No mite dust or excessive ear wax and he doesn’t shake his head or scratch his ears…lately, he’s been getting really sniffly – it’s also high pollen season. could it be allergies?
Hi Cloe,
Your veterinarian will have a lot more insight than we can. Check with your vet to get the best advice about your Pomeranian’s ears and give your pup a belly rub for us!
I took both my girls, Chloe and Sadie to the vet last Wednesday for shots ands grooming. Now both of them are sneezing, coughing and just not being themselves. Any suggestions on why.
Hi Bonnie,
We suggest you call your vet with any questions about Chloe and Sadie’s health. We hope they’re feeling better soon!
good evening. My dog has been sneezing for 5 days and looks uncomfortable. first trip to vet on Thursday they prescribed benadryl for dogs and an anti biotic. today (saturday) they gave her prednizone. they did blood work and it was fine. x ray of snout, head and body, fine. saline of her nostrils. an injection for mites. when she gets up now she seems stiff until she gets moving. shes only 4 and until christmas, she was fine. any help or suggestions would be appreciated.
We’re sorry to hear your dog hasn’t been feeling well. If she’s not responding to the treatment, we recommend you call your veterinarian to let them know. We hope she’s feeling better soon.
Hi I don’t have the money to take my dog to the vet. She’s breathing loud like her nose is congested
Is there anything I can give her till this doggie flu subsides. (Hoping its just the doggie flu)
Hi Mary,
We’re sorry to hear your pup isn’t feeling well. We recommend speaking with your veterinarian before giving your pet any medication. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you which medications are safe and the proper dosage. We hope your pup is feeling better soon!