Just like us humans, dogs can actually get cold too. It has been repeatedly documented that one of the biggest indicators is that your dog sounds congested when sleeping. For the most part, wheezing, coughing, and sneezing have been observed in dogs due to colds and coughs that cause general congestion.
But it can also indicate some form of allergy that your dog is experiencing. For the most part, you need to remember that your dog needs to be taken care of and kept in a hygienic setting during these times. If the infection causing the cold is mild to moderate, it can be treated at home with some homemade remedies. However, suppose it is recurring or keeps happening for a long while. In that case, you must visit your vet immediately.
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Here's what we'll cover:
Can dogs get congested?
If you observe a case of dog congestion, it might result from a cold. When a person says that they have caught a cold, it refers to a wide array of viruses. Multiple viruses have been clubbed together as cold viruses. They all cause the same symptoms, including sore throat, fever, sneezing, nasal discharge, and congestion. The same thing can be said about dogs catching a cold.
Like in humans, that is not one particular virus responsible for causing these cold symptoms. Many viruses together have been known to be responsible for causing a cold which might make you observe that your dog sounds congested. While some of these viruses are more severe than others, it is mostly treatable.
Why does my dog sound congested when sleeping?
If you notice that your dog sounds congested when sleeping, this can be attributed to many reasons. When your dog sounds congested, it can be due to an allergy, cold, nasal discharge, odd posture, nasal obstruction, odd sleeping position, or the effect of some medication.
It is generally not a reason for grave worry, although it must be checked out as soon as possible. While these congested sounds are normal in almost all cases, you must probe into the reason as to why they are happening.
Is it dangerous, and how to fix it?
If you notice that your dog sounds congested when they are breathing or sleeping, it might make you feel worried, especially if it is the first time you hear it. In most cases, dog congestion is not severe or dangerous and can be treated simply.
You might even notice that the noises they are making go away on their own after a while. However, suppose these sounds keep continuing for a long while. In that case, it might indicate some underlying problem, and you should see a veterinarian immediately. Here’s a list of things that you must do once you find the reason for the congested sound your dog is making:
- If the congested sound results from an odd sleeping posture, the best way to remedy this situation is to help your furry friend change the pose. You can try training your dog on better sleeping postures using reinforcements.
- Suppose the congested sound is because of a cold. In that case, you will also notice additional symptoms of coughing and sneezing. Make sure your dog is properly vaccinated to prevent it from catching a cold. You can try steam therapy, aromatherapy, and provide your pet with proper vitamins and chicken soups or some honey herbs.
- If your dog sounds congested because of nasal obstruction or blockage, steam should help remedy the situation.
- You must also check the other medications that your dog is on. Congestion might be a side effect of it and in such a case, contact your veterinarian for a solution.
Puppy sounds congested when sleeping: why and what to do next
If you’re wondering why my dog makes weird noises when sleeping, it might be because they are feeling congested. In the case of a puppy, you need to be extra careful as puppies are genuinely delicate and fragile.
In most cases, the reasons for a puppy sounding congested are the same as for an adult dog. Help your pup rest and provide it with a filling meal that will help it feel rejuvenated. The solutions mentioned above might also come in handy, but you must find the underlying reason as soon as possible.
What not to do when dog sniffles at night
If your dog sniffles at night, do not fuss with them too much. There is not much worry in either case. However, you need to remain calm and take on the responsibility of a caregiver. Take them to the vet if it becomes very prolonged. Otherwise, try the above-mentioned home remedies.
Be mindful of your dog’s health at all times. If you hear congested sounds, remember to remain calm and take the appropriate actions.
Thanks for the blog graphics: Canva.com
Thanks for the blog graphics: Canva.com
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