My dog is sick, coughing, and getting worse. When should I see a vet?

She may have a cold. If she is that uncomfortable with the coughing then I would recommend bringing her to a veterinarian to have them evaluate her. They can listen to her lungs and make sure it is upper respiratory and nothing else. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I'm sorry Abby is sick! If she sounds congested, 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. Take her temperature rectally (a dog's normal temp is between 101.5-102.5F), and if it's above 103F, I would find an ER vet clinic or a vet on call to see her right away. Additionally, if she is having trouble breathing, I wouldn't wait until Monday and have her seen by a vet right away. Make sure she has access to plenty of fresh water and food. Rest her, taking her outside only to potty and then bring her right back in when she's done. Keep her in a quiet area of the house. If at any time you are concerned about her or her symptoms, again take her into an ER vet or find a vet on call to see her. I hope this helps!

The normal temperature in a dog is around 101.5 degrees. Since humans are normally 98.6 degrees, dogs often feel a little warm to us when you feel their ears or stomachs. So, the ear temperature you are feeling may just be normal for Snowball. And as you mentioned, their ears will also feel slightly warmer when they have been running around. However, if you notice that her sneezing continues or gets worse or she develops any other clinical signs, I would consult your veterinarian. I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Tisoy! If he has a cough, a fever, isn’t eating then he should see a Vet immediately. He is so young that I worry he may deteriorate quickly. I suspect pneumonia based on your post. If he has pneumonia he needs fluids and antibiotics. You can syringe water and 2-3 times per day put him in a steamy bathroom for 10 mins and do chest courage. But he really needs veterinary care. I hope this helps and I wish Tisoy the best!

Make sure it is in-fact a fever. Dogs have a higher temperature than people. If his temperature is less than 39C, then he does not have a fever. Fever usually indicates one of the following: 1). Infection 2) Toxin ingestion 3). Heat stress If he just got done playing and/or running around, then it may be heat stress. The temperature will go down if he stays calm in a cool environment. If it's not heat stress and his temperature is above 39C, then this is an emergency and he needs to go to the vet. Do not give any fever medication meant for people, because these can be dangerous. The vet will have to give special dog medicine to bring down the fever. I hope that helps and all is well with Softie.

A fever this high is usually indicative of a bacterial or viral disease going on. Your veterinarian will need to run some tests to try and determine the cause of the fever. Once the cause is identified the proper antibiotics, antifungals, or antipruritic drugs can be prescribed. The tablet given to your dog is basically a fever reducer but will not treat the cause of the fever. I would recommend taking your dog in for a recheck as soon as you’re able to. The exact cause of the fever cannot be determined without further workup and diagnostics. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

I'm sorry Maisy isn't feeling well at the moment. Don't worry about the temperature of her nose, as it's not considered a sign of illness in dogs. That's because a dog's nose can change from cold to warm just by sitting next to a heat source or lying in the sun. The sneezing could be caused by a respiratory infection or allergies. I would monitor Maisy for now, and should the sneezing continue over the next 24-48 hours, she become lethargic, her appetite diminishes, and/or she develops other signs, I would have her seen by a vet.