How To Take Care Of A Dog With The Flu

Winter has now arrived and, with the low temperatures, the health problems typical of this season also arrive. Unfortunately, our dear animals also get sick. For this reason today we are going to give you some useful tips so that you can properly take care of a dog with the flu.

Signs that your dog has the flu

The signs of influenza in dogs are very similar to those in humans, although the viruses that cause it are different:

• Sneezing
• Shiny eyes
• Cough
• Mucus
• Loss of appetite
• Apathy
• Tiredness
• Temperature

Your dog can get the flu too. By consulting your veterinarian, and providing him with the necessary care, you will help him to overcome this disease, typical of the winter season, quickly. 

Tips for caring for a dog with the flu

To help your dog cope with the flu in the best possible way, consider the following tips:

First consult your veterinarian

When your dog is experiencing the first symptoms of the flu, take him to the vet so that he can confirm the diagnosis and show you the steps to follow. In fact, the treatment will depend on various factors, such as the age of the animal, the state of its immune defenses and its general physical conditions.

Particular attention should be paid if it is an aging dog or a puppy and if it suffers from any chronic disease. In all these cases, in fact, the animals are much more vulnerable.

If necessary, the vet can prescribe specific medications, such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatories, to the dog.

Also consult a specialist about the possibility of injecting a vaccine, to avoid future flu processes, and ask when is the right time to do so.

Only give him medications prescribed by a professional

Remember that you should only give your dog medications prescribed by the veterinarian. It is also necessary to be very careful and respect the doses and times indicated for administering the drug.

Under no circumstances should you medicate your dog with products that you or other family members use to treat the flu. Even with good intentions, you could cause serious problems for your four-legged friend.

Remedies designed for humans can be toxic to dogs and can cause irreversible damage, especially to the liver.

Again: what’s good for you isn’t necessarily good for your dog. Never forget it!

Protect it from cold and humidity

When you take him for a walk, do it at times when the cold is not extreme, and possibly with clothing that covers him and protects him from low temperatures, humidity and possible rain.

When inside the house:

• Keep your dog away from drafts.
• Adequately ventilate the spaces where your dog usually lives.
• Provide a comfortable place to rest that is sufficiently sheltered.

Pay attention to its nutrition and hydration

The diet of an animal with the flu must be balanced,  to strengthen its immune system, so that it can better defend itself from the disease that afflicts it.

You will need to be very patient because, as already mentioned, the dog may lose his appetite. However, it is necessary that, albeit little by little, you eat enough. So be persistent and insist on letting him eat. 

To entice him, always respecting his nutritional needs, you can offer him food of his liking, such as wet foods, or recipes prepared specifically by you. 

In addition, it  is important for a dog with the flu to drink a lot of water: it can become dehydrated very easily. So pay particular attention to this aspect, make sure that his bowl is always full of fresh water and check that he drinks enough.

Other special attention

To reduce congestion on your four-legged friend, use a hot humidifier. This way you will keep your airways hydrated.

If you don’t have one of these devices, you can put your pet in the bathroom for a while and turn on the hot water tap.

In addition,  a good extra dose of cuddles, caresses and sweet words, will surely help to quickly recover your dog from the flu and make him return to the same as always, playful and happy.

Images courtesy of gullevek and slowdevil.