Can a dog recover from a cold without medication?

A dog with a cold may recover on its own, but it depends on the severity of the symptoms. If the dog has mild symptoms such as slight coughing, runny nose, and sneezing, there is a chance it can recover spontaneously, but the process may be slower. If the dog has more severe symptoms, such as lethargy, fever, purulent rhinorrhea, and severe coughing, it usually won't recover on its own and needs to be taken to the vet for related disease screening. Treatment will then be given based on the examination results.

What are the symptoms of a dog with a cold?

Canine cold refers to upper respiratory infections, which usually manifest as runny nose, sneezing, cold ears and nose, and fever. If the inflammation spreads to trigger lower respiratory infections, dogs may exhibit obvious coughing symptoms. If a dog has a long-term cough, it's necessary to check the lungs. If a dog doesn't receive timely treatment for a cold, it may develop pneumonia, with symptoms such as rapid breathing, high fever, red and moist conjunctiva, accelerated heartbeat, and rusty-colored nasal discharge.

As the symptoms of canine cold are similar to those of canine distemper in the early stages, especially for young dogs, it's recommended to take the dog to a pet hospital for distemper antigen detection.

How long does it take for a dog to recover from a cold?

The specific time for a dog to recover from a cold depends on its physical condition and medication. If the dog has a common cold with mild symptoms, it usually takes 5-7 days to recover with symptomatic treatment. For more severe viral colds, the recovery time may be around 7-15 days. If the dog's immune system is low, the treatment period can reach 30 days or more.

What can a dog eat to recover from a cold faster?

When a dog has a common cold, it needs to be fed pet-specific cold medicine. Additionally, antibiotics can be given to assist in treatment. During the medication period, pay attention to the dog's condition. If the symptoms don't improve after medication, consult a vet promptly.

Since a dog's immunity is lower during a cold, it's advisable to feed the dog immunity-boosting drugs, such as those containing astragalus polysaccharide. At the same time, ensure the dog's warmth and avoid exacerbating the condition.