My dog is congested and barely barking. What can I do to help?

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 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

Poor Echo. She needs to see a vet to get medications to treat her symptoms. I would take her into a vet first thing in the morning. Tonight, take her into the bathroom with you when you take a shower. The steam may temporarily help with her congestion. Best of luck.

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.

Rocky may be suffering from an upper respiratory infection. This will need to be investigated by a veterinarian. Please take Rocky to your veterinarian for an exam, diagnosis and possibly prescription medicine.

Oh no, poor Buddy! This could be caused by an upper respiratory infection, fungal infection, foreign body, or a nasal tumor if he is an older dog. You can try putting him in a room with a humidifier, or brining him into the bathroom with you when you take a shower. The steam from these may help temporarily relieve any congestion he is experiencing. I would have Buddy seen by a vet in the morning . The vet can diagnose what is causing his difficulty with breathing through his nose, and can discuss treatment options with you.

It is possible that all the symptoms are connected. The only thing I can recommend you at this point is to do vaporizer or nebulizer treatments. The easiest way to do this is to put the dog in a bathroom with the door closed and a very hot shower running so it will produce steam (don't put the dog in the shower, just in the bathroom to breathe the steam). Do the treatment for 15-20 minutes 2-3 times per day. I suggest you get him/her a vet appointment as soon as you can. Best wishes.