What can I give my 5lb chihuahua for a cold or congestion at home?

Unfortunately, it is illegal for the experts at Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to prescribe any medications for an animal without seeing them in person first. That's because we can't know for sure it if safe to give to Rocky. I can recommend a home remedy, however, to see if it helps. You can try using a humidifier or bringing her into the bathroom with the door closed while you take a hot shower - the steam and humidity help to break up congestion and temporarily relieve symptoms associated with respiratory infections. If Rocky is having a lot of difficulty breathing, then the best thing to do for him is to take him into a vet immediately. Respiratory difficulties can quickly go downhill, leading to distress, and he should be seen by a vet to prevent that from happening.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. I would recommend using a humidifier until you can get him to the veterinarian. Do not use any decongestant products over the counter as these can have harmful toxic effects on animals. Avoid any essential oils and no vapor rubs as these can be irritants to the airway. I hope this helps!

Poor Dolly! You can try to hold her in a small bathroom while your run a hot shower and let her breathe in the steam. Obviously, don’t put her in the water. And picking her up allows her to get more steaks since steam rises. You can also try some Benadryl. See the link below for more information. If she isn’t improving or if she is lethargic or not eating then I would have your vet look at her. Your vet will be able to listen to her heart and lungs and help determine the cause. She may need some antibiotics to help her feel better. I hope this helps! https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/benadryl/

Poor Bella! It does sound like she is very congested, and I can give you some things to try at home to help her with that. She may also benefit from some medications from the vet, which you can use in conjunction with the home remedies to give her maximum relief. I would have her seen by a vet today to have medications prescribed so she can get some rest. At home, try using a humidifier (water only) or bringing her into the bathroom with the door closed while you take a hot shower - the steam and humidity help to break up congestion and temporarily relieve symptoms associated with respiratory infections.

Do not give them any OTC medications. Many human ones contain ingredients that are toxic to puppies. Try bringing them into the bathroom with you when you take a shower or but them in a room with a humidifier. The steam from them might help with the congestion. Keep them warm and comfortable, and make sure they eat. Take them into the vet first thing in the morning. If either start having trouble breathing, this is a medical emergency and they need to see an ER vet right away. Best of luck.

Poor Bella! At home, you can also try using a humidifier or bringing her into the bathroom with the door closed while you take a hot shower - the steam and humidity help to break up congestion and temporarily relieve symptoms associated with respiratory infections. Unfortunately, respiratory infections do typically require a visit to the vet for medications such as antibiotics, and I would recommend bringing her into one tomorrow. If paying for a vet is an issue, you can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com

Yes, there are a few home remedies you can try to see if that helps with Rosco's congestion. I would bring him into the bathroom with the door closed while you take a hot shower - the steam and humidity help to break up congestion and temporarily relieve symptoms associated with respiratory infections. You can also put him in a small room with a humidifier to see if that helps with his congestion. Do not give him any human medications for his congestion, many are toxic to dogs. If he's still suffering with the congestion on Friday, take him into the vet.