It happened. You took Fido to doggie daycare and a few days later he’s sneezing, coughing, has a fever, refuses to eat and is generally miserable. After a visit to the vet your worst fears are confirmed. Fido has the dog flu, also known as canine influenza type A (H3N8). Your vet has told you that Fido is most likely going to be just fine but there are some things that you can do to keep Fido comfortable and hopefully speed up the recovery process. Keep reading to learn more.
- Confirm your dog does not have a secondary infection
A visit to your vet will confirm whether or not your pup has acquired a secondary infection like pneumonia, which has been known to occur in some cases where dogs have contracted the flu virus. Older dogs and puppies are more susceptible to secondary infections. Pneumonia can be fatal, so ruling this out is important.
- Provide your dog with the appropriate medications
Your vet may prescribe other medications for your dog. For example, if your dog does require antibiotics for a secondary bacterial infection, like pneumonia, you will need to procure those. Your vet may also recommend some medications to help ease some of your dog’s regular flu symptoms, which will help to keep your pup comfortable.
- Provide your pet with Intravenous fluid support if necessary
Unfortunately, your dog can become sick to a point where he may find it hard to eat and drink. If this happens, your vet may want to provide your dog with some IV fluids to help keep him hydrated. A hydrated dog is better able to fight the flu so receiving intravenous fluid support is very important if it is required.
- Provide your dog with a nutritious supplements
A dog who receives proper nutrition, like a vitamin supplement such as NuVet Plus, is a dog with a stronger immune system. And a stronger immune system is one that is more effectively able to fight the dog flu. Before your dog gets sick, it is a good idea to make sure he is receiving a daily, nutritious supplement like NuVet Plus.
- Have a comfortable, warm and quiet place available for your dog to recuperate
Home is where your dog is going to be the most comfortable so just make sure that you have a warm, quiet place for him to rest. This might mean asking family and friends to try and keep more quiet when around your sick pooch. You don’t want your dog to get too excited because this can wear a dog out who is trying to get better. Make sure you have plenty of water available and when your dog wants it.
- Contact your Vet
If you notice a change in your dog that concerns you, then don’t hesitate to contact your vet immediately.
- Keep your dog away from other dogs
Keeping your dog away from other dogs will help prevent the spread of the Dog flu. Also, your dog is going to need to rest and being around his doggie buddies might prevent that from happening for a couple of reasons. One, by keeping him away from other dogs you are keeping your dog away from more germs, which could lead to a secondary infection. And two, because your dog is already sick, his immune system is more vulnerable and thus more susceptible to other illness.
We hope that your dog never gets the dog flu but if he does we hope the above information will help make the process easier for you. Before your dog gets sick it is important to make sure that he is receiving proper nutrition in the form of a nutritious supplement like NuVet Plus. NuVet Plus has been trusted by pet parents everywhere for helping to keep their dogs healthy and happy. Dog parents also regularly share with us how after starting NuVet Plus they have noticed improvements in conditions that plague their dogs such as allergies, cataracts and skin growths. We regularly share NuVet Plus testimonials on NuVet Reviews. If you would like to learn more, please visit NuVet Reviews.