How to treat respiratory infection in dogs at home?

Looking at the dog that used to be lively and energetic, now curled up in the corner, coughing painfully from time to time, breathing rapidly and heavily, and the pair of bright eyes that were once bright were also covered with a layer of dimness. Respiratory infection in dogs is like a sudden storm, which disrupts their health rhythm and makes the owner's heart clenched. When it is impossible to go to the pet hospital immediately, or when the disease is in the early stage and the symptoms are mild, how to scientifically and effectively help the dog fight respiratory infection at home has become an important issue for the owner to protect the health of the dog. This requires not only professional knowledge, but also full of love and patience. ​

The causes of respiratory infection in dogs are varied, and the invasion of pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, mycoplasma, and fungi is the main factor. Canine distemper virus, canine parainfluenza virus, adenovirus and other viruses, like cunning enemies, quietly invade the dog's body and destroy the respiratory defense barrier; bacteria such as Bordetella and Streptococcus pneumoniae take advantage of the damage to the respiratory mucosa and cause inflammation; and mycoplasma, fungal and other infections may also cause dogs to become ill under certain circumstances. In addition, environmental factors should not be ignored. Cold and humid weather, poorly ventilated living environments, and overcrowded living spaces may reduce the dog's resistance and increase the risk of infection. For example, in the cold winter, dogs who stay in a room with low temperature and poor ventilation for a long time are more susceptible to pathogens. ​

When dogs have respiratory infections, common symptoms include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, shortness of breath, fever, mental depression and loss of appetite. In the early stage, there may be only occasional coughs and a small amount of clear nasal discharge, but as the disease progresses, coughing will become frequent and severe, and the nasal discharge may become thick and yellow, and even breathing difficulties may occur. Seeing dogs suffering from these symptoms, the owners are filled with worry and distress, and wish they could bear this pain for them. ​

When dealing with dogs' respiratory infections at home, the first task is to create a comfortable and recovery-friendly environment for them. Place the dog in a warm, dry and well-ventilated room to avoid cold and damp irritation to the respiratory tract. You can lay soft mats where the dog rests to make them feel warm and comfortable. At the same time, keep the indoor air fresh, but be careful to avoid direct cold wind. A good environment is like a warm harbor, which can make the dog feel at ease when fighting the disease. ​

It is crucial to ensure that the dog has sufficient water intake. Respiratory infections can make the dog's respiratory mucosa dry. Sufficient water helps moisturize the respiratory tract, dilute sputum, make it easier for the dog to cough up sputum, and relieve cough symptoms. The owner can prepare clean, fresh drinking water and put it in a place where the dog can easily find it. If the dog is unwilling to drink water actively, you can also try to feed water slowly with a syringe (remove the needle), but be careful to avoid choking the dog. This is like watering the dry land with the water of life, helping the dog's body to recover vitality.​

In terms of diet, provide dogs with nutritious and easily digestible food. During illness, dogs may have a decreased appetite, but adequate nutrition is the key to enhancing resistance and fighting disease. You can soften dog food with warm water, or prepare some liquid food such as chicken porridge, fish porridge, or choose a special nutritional paste for pets. Every feeding is a sign of the owner's love for the dog, hoping that these foods can bring them the power to overcome the disease. ​

Nebulizer therapy is an effective way to relieve dog respiratory symptoms at home. The drug is converted into tiny particles by the nebulizer, and the dog is allowed to inhale the respiratory tract. The drug can directly act on the lesion, reduce inflammation, and dilute sputum. There are nebulizers specifically for pets on the market, which are relatively simple to operate. When performing nebulizer therapy, the dog can be placed in a relatively closed and quiet space to allow them to slowly adapt to the nebulization process. Seeing the dog's breathing gradually stabilize after nebulization and the number of coughs decreases, the owner's hanging heart can also be slightly relieved. ​

Although it is treated at home, the owner should closely observe the changes in the dog's symptoms. If the dog's cough, breathing difficulties and other symptoms continue to worsen, and new symptoms such as high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or no significant improvement after a few days of care, be sure to take the dog to the pet hospital in time. Because severe respiratory infections may cause complications such as pneumonia, professional diagnosis and treatment are required. The pet doctor will accurately judge the condition through detailed interviews, physical examinations, blood tests, X-ray examinations, etc., and formulate targeted treatment plans, such as the use of antibiotics, antiviral drugs, etc. ​

The treatment process of a dog's respiratory infection is a journey for the owner and the dog to fight the disease together. Every careful care at home and every gentle companionship are full of the owner's deep love for the dog. Watching the dog gradually regain vitality and wag its tail happily again under its own efforts, the joy and sense of accomplishment cannot be described in words. Let us use professional knowledge and warm love to build a solid health defense line for the dog and accompany them through every healthy and happy day.