My dog has flu symptoms. Can I wait until morning to see a vet?

As long as the coughing isnt interferi g with his breathing it should be fine to wait. The flu shot may have given him a touch of a cough or he could have an infection. There is not a lot the vet would do about the lump tonight so you shoulf be fine to hold off until tomorrow.

Hello, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Without knowing specifically what is causing Max's fever, it is impossible to say how much of an emergency it might be. The safest option is always to have him seen immediately in case the fever is serious. With that said, the overall attitude is an important factor to consider when deciding if it's an emergency. As a general rule if a dog is still eating, drinking, and acting reasonably normal, it is probably ok to wait until tomorrow. Even if the appetite isn't completely normal, if you can entice a dog to eat treats or a little bit of bland chicken & rice, that's a good sign. On the other hand, if he is not eating anything, he's notably lethargic, or if there are other symptoms such as vomiting, then it's definitely best to have him seen as soon as possible. I hope this helps and he feels better soon!

Legally, we are prohibited from recommending medications, even over the counter ones, in the absence of a physical exam and a patient-veterinarian-client relationship. The good news is that you can continue to feed Chou-Choi and offer Gatorade as you have been doing. Dilute the Gatorade with an equal amount of water. Feed him as much as he'll eat without getting sick. As long as he is eating a good quality food, he will begin to gain weight. Keep him warm and as stress free as possible. Keep his eyes, nose and mouth clear. If he seems congested, run a hot shower and place him in the bathroom (NOT in the tub) for 15-20 minutes. The steam will help loosen congestion. Since a veterinarian is unavailable, consider calling a local clinic and speaking directly with a doctor. Depending on local laws, the vet may be able to send you medication if indicated. You may need to bring him to a veterinarian if he does not show signs of improvement or continues to lose weight in spite of a healthy diet.

If your pup is having a lot of trouble breathing and you are concerned he is in respiratory distress, then I would have him seen by a vet as soon as possible. It's always fine to have your dog checked out by a vet if you are very concerned. Otherwise, I'd wait the three days and see if he improves before taking him back into the vet. I hope he feels better soon!

Kennel cough is not an emergency unless your dog is in respiratory distress. It should be ok to wait until Monday. Should your dog get a discharge from the nose and/or eyes or start having breathing problems, you need to take it to a vet right away.

Thank you for posting your question. If you have introduced a new diet or treat prior to these symptoms arising, that could be the cause and could be a bit of dietary indiscretion. In regards to the canine flu, there are typically other symptoms that we will see and they do not fit the typical presentation. I would say that if their symptoms are no better after doing 24 hours of pepto bismol, I would have them checked out at the vet. Another possibility is that they both got into something toxic. If this is the case, then the sooner you get them in to be seen and tested, the better. Please feel free to contact me with any other concerns you may have. I am also available via consultation.

Depending on your location, there may be confirmed cases of Canine Influenza in your area. This is a potential cause for the cough. The flu will typically present similar to as it does in people, with a fever, cough, lethargy, inappetance, and often a nasal discharge. It has the potential to progress to pneumonia. There is no specific treatment for the flu, only supportive care and antibiotics if secondary pneumonia develops. I use the rule if a cough does not improve, or worsens, over the course of 48 hours, and is accompanied by lethargy, decreased appetite, difficulty breathing, and vomiting or diarrhea, then the pet should be seen. With the recent outbreaks of Canine Influenza I would certainly try to have him seen by his veterinarian.