My puppy has a dry nose, is wheezing, and lethargic. Is he sick?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is actually not necessarily accurate. This does not necessarily mean that he is dehydrated or sick in any way. If he is doing well otherwise, you can just have him evaluated at the time of your appointment on Wednesday. Enjoy your pup! Have a great day!

Thank you for contacting PetCoach with your question about Winston. The good news is that a dry, warm nose isn't considered a sign of illness. This is because a dog's nose can go from wet and cold to warm and dry just by laying in the sun or next to the heat source. The lethargy is a little more concerning. It's a very general sign of illness, and can be caused by systemic illness, infection, inflammation, or injury. If Winston is eating and drinking, and his only symptom is lethargy, you can watch him for now. Keep him warm and comfortable. Should this lethargy continue over the next 48 hours, or he develops other signs such as coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, sneezing, nasal discharge, or anorexia, he will have to see a vet. If paying for a vet is an issue, you can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/ http://www.dogheirs.com/resources-affordable-veterinary-care/ Check out these resources to see if one can help you. Best of luck.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! That is not likely to help much if at all due to the long nose of a dog. This is likely an upper respiratory infection. This is usually treated with antibiotics. I recommend that you have your pup evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for this possibility and start therapy accordingly. Best of luck!

The nose of a dog is not used as an indication of illness. A dog's nose can change from cold and wet to warm and dry just by laying in the sun or sitting near a heat source. He may still be sleepy from his nap, and given that he just started this behavior, I would monitor him for now. If he's still lethargic in the morning, I would have him seen by a vet for a health check.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This may be due to an upper respiratory infection that could be now affecting the lower respiratory system as well such as kennel cough. It is very important that you have Teddy evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to gather more information and proceed with an exam to determine what would be best at this point. They are likely going to consider prescribing antibiotics. I am hoping for a speedy recovery!

I am concerned that Gus has an upper respiratory infection, or worse, if he has not been vaccinated, he may have distemper. You need to take Gus to the veterinarian right away to be evaluated and start treatment. Best of luck. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Biggie! I don't personally hold much stock in nose dryness/wetness or the temperature of the nose. To know if Biggie has a fever you need to take his temperature rectally with a digital thermometer. A fever in a dog is anything over 102.5 F. There are many causes for a poor appetite: Viral infection, foreign body, fever from infection or inflammation, intestinal parasites (the eggs are microscopic and can not be seen in the stool unless adult worms are passed), pain and many many other causes. Try taking Biggie's temperature. If he has a fever I recommend making an appointment today with your Vet. I hope this helps and I wish Biggie a speedy recovery!