My dog has a runny nose and is congested. Is it flu? Does he need a vet?

Cough and runny nose can be caused by an infection, heart problem or lung condition, it is important to first know the cause before treating it as treatment is different from condition to another. The most common disease causing cough is a viral/bacterial infection called Kennel cough, this disease usually resolves without treatment within a couple weeks but if the cough is too severe it is recommended to go to the vet in order to get cough medicine and antibiotics.

Dogs can get colds or allergies. I would talk to your vet about the results of the swab. You can use a humidifier to help break up secretions. If it isn't getting better in a few days or if Apollo shows additional abnormal symptoms, he should be re-examined by the vet.

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.

Hello, sorry to hear about Luna. Most dogs with upper respiratory infections are treated with antibiotics as these tend to be bacterial in origin. If her signs are worsening then she may need to see a veterinarian to obtain medications for these. Unlike humans, dogs do not typically get influenza or the flu, and it they do, it tends to be much more severe than it is in humans. In the interim, you can try to run a hot shower and have Luna sit in the bathroom to see if this helps decongest her. Otherwise, make an appointment with your veterinarian and have her evaluated for an upper respiratory infection. Other causes of nasal congestion/coughing and nose discharge may include kennel cough, tooth root abscess, or even some form of mass in her nose, especially in an 11 year old dog. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Yes, that is definitively possible. This presentation could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

It sounds like Bailey may have a minor respiratory infection or allergies - both of these are common causes of a runny nose and sneezing in dogs. In most cases, this problem will resolve on its own so as long as he is eating and drinking fine, active, and not having any other symptoms, it should be okay to monitor him at home for the next few days. You can try bringing him into the bathroom with you with the door closed while you take a hot shower, if you like - the steam and humidity will often help to relieve nasal congestion and temporarily improve his symptoms. If the discharge becomes yellow or green in color, or if he begins acting lethargic or not wanting to eat, I would recommend having him examined by a vet as he may need prescription antibiotics to treat the infection.

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.