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My dog has a stuffy nose and fever. What home remedies can I try?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pit Bull Terrier | Male | neutered | 1 year old | 57 lbs

My pitbull has swelled up sinuses, feels like a fever potentially, and a dry nose. What can I do as a natural home remedy as I really cannot afford a vet visit?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on November 13th, 2016

Poor Gunner! If his nose is stuffed up and he isn't feeling well, there are a few things you can try to make him feel better. First, you can try bringing him into the bathroom with you with the door closed while you take a hot shower - the steam and moisture often help to relieve nasal congestion. If he isn't eating and drinking well, you can also offer some low-sodium chicken or beef broth to encourage him to stay hydrated. A mild respiratory infection should resolve on its own within 7-14 days. If the problem goes on longer than this, or if he stops eating completely or becomes very lethargic, then there may not be any option except to take him to the vet since he may need prescription medication and supportive care such as IV fluids to help fight the infection.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on November 8th, 2016
Poor Ace Arnold! A warm dry nose isn't a sign of illness in a dog; that's because a dog's nose can change temperature and wetness simply by sitting in the sun or next to a heat source. He does sound like he's a little lethargic, and has lost his appetite. Those are very general signs of illness, and could be caused by systemic illness, injury, inflammation, or infection. I would not take him into the vet right away, I would monitor him for the next couple of days. He might simply be feeling unwell, and may need a day or two to recover. You can try to tempt him to eat by soaking his food in low sodium beef or chicken broth, or feeding him a bland diet of boiled white chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts several times a day. Then slowly add back in his normal diet. If he's still lethargic after a couple of days, he refuses to eat the diet options I suggested, or he develops other signs such as vomiting or diarrhea, I would take him into the vet for an exam.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 3rd, 2020
So sorry that he is sick. It is very concerning that he hasn't eaten in 3 days and is lethargic. There are many possible diseases that could cause those signs including infections, parasites, pancreatitis, gastritis/enteritis, kidney disease, liver disease, endocrine diseases, etc. You could offer him a bland diet of boiled chicken and white rice and see if you can get him to eat. If he won't eat and is still lethargic then he should be examined by a vet as soon as possible for a work up. Your vet can run bloodwork and take x-rays to help diagnose and treat. Hope he feels better soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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