You’ll likely be worried about your puppy if they sound congested. You’ll want to do everything you can to cure them. Dogs can become congested for various reasons, but they do not experience colds in the same way humans do. Here is all the information you need to help your puppy if it sounds congested.
For a puppy, respiratory illness is the most frequent source of congestion, with rhinitis and kennel cough being the primary offenders. If a puppy has allergies, is taking medicine, has something lodged in their nose, or is on medication, it may also sound congested. Sleeping in an odd posture might also cause congestion in some puppies.
Before we discuss how you ought to react in each situation, let’s look at each probable source of congestion in more depth.
Before you scroll down to a more in-depth answer to this guide, “Why Does My Puppy Sound Congested,” check out these topics: Why Does My Dog Groan When I Pet It? (2023)
Congestion Causes
A puppy can sound congested for a variety of reasons; there isn’t just one that can make your dog clogged up. Knowing the precise cause can help you treat your dog more effectively and get them feeling better as soon as possible.
Viral Infection
Consider this to be similar to a normal cold. Your dog may have trouble breathing if they have inflammation and swollen glands from a viral infection in the sinuses or nasopharyngeal passages. Additionally, it may cause tiredness, coughing, sniffling, and watery eyes and noses with generally transparent drainage.
The majority of viral infections are mild or moderate — but some, if left untreated, can result in more serious diseases. Usually, a dog contracts a viral illness through contact with another affected dog.
Bacterial Infection
Our canine friends’ sinuses, lungs, and nasal cavities are all popular entry points for bacteria. The problem with germs is that they often cause an immunological reaction that results in thick, colorful discharge from the nose and eyes, as well as airway irritation, which makes it even more difficult for a dog to breathe.
Additionally, dogs might become sluggish, not eat, cough, or sneeze. On rare occasions, pneumonia — a deadly lung infection that needs to be treated right away — can cause chest congestion in dogs. It is possible for dogs to get bacterial respiratory illnesses from other dogs or through contact with contaminated things.
Fungal Infection
Based on where you live, canine congestive fungal infections may be a risk. Dogs’ respiratory systems are capable of reproducing fungus from the environment, which can lead to congestion. Owners may not experience anything more than a cough and moderate congestion that lingers for weeks or even months due to the persistent nature of these diseases.
Allergies
Some dogs react to dust, mold, pollen, and smoke in the same way that people do. Allergies can cause a lot of sniffing, coughing, droopy eyelids, runny noses, and congestion. These symptoms can appear at any time of the year in some dogs, while they are cyclical in others.
Foreign Substances
Dogs like using their noses to investigate their surroundings, making it simple for them to breathe in grass seeds, dust, or anything else small enough to fit in their nostrils. Some foreign objects may become trapped in the sinuses or nasal passages, producing swelling and congestion.
Additionally, infections may develop as a result of foreign objects. Depending on the location, dogs could also sneeze, get a watery or bloody nose, or cough if a foreign item is in the chest.
Other Causes
Heart disease or tumors are less commonly the cause of congestion in dogs.
Other symptoms may include dogs not wanting to play, respiratory problems, runny nose, coughing, bloody noses, or lethargy, depending on the problem and where it occurs.
Other Ways to Help a Congested Puppy
The importance of a correct diagnosis cannot be overstated when a dog’s respiration is compromised. The initial course of action is almost always a visit to the veterinarian.
Here are some additional measures you may take to aid your congested puppy after you’ve visited the vet and may or may not have received medicine.
Humidifier
A humidifier works to provide moisture to the air, which can assist with cold or flu symptoms by reducing nasal congestion. If you experience a dry cough as well as a runny nose, it seems like breathing in more water vapor will make it easier.
Allow your dog access to the bathroom anytime a member of the household takes a hot bath or shower if a humidifier is not accessible. This can loosen any mucus formation and assist in clearing their airways.
Ventilation
Maintain a good ventilation system. By ensuring that the air is clear of dirt, soot, cooking odors, and air fresheners, you can make things easier for your dog.
Keep Your Puppy Hydrated
Make sure your dog has access to clean water every day. For the nasal mucus to remain thin, your puppy needs to drink plenty of water. Offer clear broth in a different dish if your pup is not really a big drinker; low-sodium chicken soup is a nice option.
Always Keep Things Tidy
To get rid of as many germs and bacteria as you possibly can, clean anything your dog touches. Toys, blankets, and both water and food dishes all serve as breeding grounds for bacteria. Remember that your dog won’t have a good sense of smell if they are injured. This can make them avoid eating, which might lower their stamina. Offering warm, pungent food like sardines and wet chicken can be helpful.
Clear Away Discharge
With a warm, damp cloth towel or cleaning wipes, remove any nasal discharge. Have the puppy face a flashlight and elevate their head so you can peek under its nose in order to view the waste. Use tweezers to try to remove anything you see there that appears to be loose. You shouldn’t let the object travel even further back, so if you’re hesitant about handling it, seek help from your veterinarian.
If you notice what appears to be a powder creating a blockage, your puppy’s mucus will probably ultimately clear it out. But be careful not to leave it for too long, especially if it upsets your dog. Nevertheless, if something seems to be stuck or if your puppy is in any pain, take them to the doctor.
Isolate Your Puppy
If possible, isolate your puppy from other dogs since they may also have germs. Dogs don’t catch colds from humans, but they do catch colds from other dogs.
Make Sure Your Puppy Rests
Save all the long walks for another time because sleep is essential for recovery.
Puppies need to stay active, but if they’re congested, a walk around the block will suffice. But if your dog is willing to do so, you may also promote some light movement. Mucus and fluids may pool if they remain stationary for an extended period of time.
Provide Healthy Food
If your puppy’s sense of smell is affected, it may choose not to eat. Try heating some simple chicken and brown rice to make it more appetizing.
Should You Give Your Puppy Antihistamines?
Some pups, particularly those suffering from allergies, may benefit from using antihistamines and comparable over-the-counter medications. However, a vet should always be consulted. If your veterinarian has determined the issue and given you a list of suitable decongestants to buy, you could give one to the puppy.
You want to choose the correct decongestant because some aren’t advised for those with compromised immune systems or upper respiratory tract infections. The majority of over-the-counter decongestants include harmful chemicals for dogs.
For your puppy’s specific dose, see your veterinarian. It won’t help if you give your puppy too little decongestant, but too much might be lethal. Leave the dosage decision up to your veterinarian because there are additional aspects to take into account besides your dog’s weight.
What Can a Vet Do About Dog Congestion?
What is triggering the congestion and how long it has been there are the first questions your veterinarian will ask. They will do a thorough examination that includes taking your dog’s temperature and checking its throat, heartbeat, and lungs.
In order to rule out malignancies, heart problems, and pneumonia, your vet may also perform blood tests and X-rays. Additionally, your veterinarian may take samples of any nasal discharge or phlegm for bacterial culture testing.
Your veterinarian can develop a treatment strategy after determining the source of your dog’s congestion. Antibiotics are frequently used to treat or prevent secondary infections in viral and bacterial illnesses. Antifungal treatments are time-consuming for fungal infections.
Most infections, including pneumonia, may be treated with a highly positive outcome if detected early and carefully managed. For the treatment of respiratory illnesses that induce congestion, budget $200 to $1,000.
It might be challenging to treat allergies. It sounds simple, but identifying the precise allergens that irritate your dog and make them congested may be quite challenging. If the allergen cannot be eliminated, you will likely need to treat your dog’s allergies for the rest of its life.
Antihistamines can help some allergies that cause congestion, while anti-inflammatories are needed for others. There are allergy tests and vaccinations available, but the outcomes might vary. For the initial treatment and subsequent medication refills, costs might range from $50 to $200.
The removal of foreign items and subsequent treatment of the damage they cause are often necessary. Based on the nature of the issue, removal can require anesthesia and surgery. Following that, your dog could require antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. It often costs between $200 and $2,000 to remove a foreign object from a dog’s snout or chest.
What to Know Before a Vet Visit
Your puppy’s congestion will be noticed by your veterinarian, but they could also be interested in hearing any other noises that occur during the day, such as early in the morning or during activity.
They’ll also need to see if your dog has recently traveled or interacted with other dogs, when he became congested, and whether it’s gotten better or worse over time.
Be prepared to inform your vet of any additional symptoms your puppy may be exhibiting beyond their congested sound, such as not eating, lethargy, or whether this is affecting other pets in your home.
You might wish to get a sample of the phlegm if your dog frequently coughs or sneezes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your dog sounds congested, keep track of when the issue started and how it’s progressing. The more details you note, the better. If you are worried it’s a serious case, call your vet for advice on how to proceed.
Persistent congestion will require a trip to your vet, but a mild case of congestion can sort itself out.
Your puppy’s symptoms could be resolved in as few as five to ten days — but if it’s a more serious case, you’ll want to consult your veterinarian to resolve it once and for all. If in doubt, call the office.
Conclusion for “Why Does My Puppy Sound Congested”
The truth is that there might be a number of causes for your puppy’s congestion. In any case, it should actually be your veterinarian who determines the underlying reason and either immediately administer the necessary treatment on your behalf or precisely advises you on the best course of action to take. You shouldn’t take any chances in this situation, since you never know how bad it may ultimately be.
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You can learn more about your puppy sounding congested by watching “Dog Sounds Congested When Sleeping” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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