My dog has a runny nose, cough, and is tired. Allergies or sick?

The most likely causes are an infection or allergies. An object stuck in the nose is possible but typically tends to be one sided and will start to have greenish discharge. If she starts to get worse or doesn’t get better, have her examined by her veterinarian. Hope she continues improving. Please feel free to post any additional questions.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Toby. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian. His symptoms can be related to an upper respiratory tract infection. He may need to be started on antibiotics. A runny nose in dog tends to be a more serious sign than it is in humans. In the meantime, keep him quiet to allow his body to rest. Keep him home as he may be contagious to other dogs. I hope this information helps!

This is likely just from stress and allergies but could the beginning stages of an upper respiratory infection. I would start with some benadryl twice a day. See link below. If he isn't improving or gets worse, I would have your vet take a look at him to make sure he doesn't need any antibiotics. Keep a close eye on him since he is so young and small. Make sure he is eating and drinking and acting normal. I hope this helps!

Hi there. Sneezing could be caused by allergies, or an upper respiratory infection. If he's acting fairly normal otherwise (eating and drinking fine, active, etc.) you could opt to monitor him for now and see how things go for the next few days. The problem may resolve on its own, similar to when we get a minor cold or allergy flare-up. If there is no improvement in the next 2-3 days, or if your pup develops other symptoms such as coughing, thick green or yellow nasal discharge, or begins acting very lethargic or not eating, then I would recommend having him seen by a veterinarian for treatment.

Based on what you are describing I would assume that Jax is just suffering from seasonal allergies. Since he is otherwise eating and drinking well I would not be too concerned. You may want to call your veterinarian and ask about an over the counter medication, like Zyrtec, and see if it is appropriate for Jax. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

I am sorry to hear about Bob. I would definitely recommend getting him to the vet as soon as possible. If he is having difficulty breathing tonight I would take him to an emergency vet. There are many possible causes of coughing. Allergies can occasionally cause a mild cough but we don't often see coughing as a result of allergies in pets (in pets allergies tend to manifest more as skin problems or sneezing) and in those cases the cough is more mild. We would worry about infections with bacteria or virus (including pneumonia in severe coughing), heartworm disease, heart disease, and lung tumors to name a few. Bob needs to have the vet examine him, listen to his heart and lungs, and most likely take x-rays of his lungs to check for changes to the heart and lungs. The results of the exam and testing will help determine his treatment needed. Best of luck to you and Bob.

This sounds like she has a mild cold or upper respiratory infection. Generally these are viral colds and will run their course over a week or so. Just like with us no antibiotics are needed unless she develops a secondary bacterial infection. If the discharge becomes green and her condition worsens then please bring her right in for treatment. She could give this to other dogs so letting her rest at home until she recovers is the best plan. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Sydney.