Dogs and cats also get colds . Natural remedies can help relieve some of the more bothersome symptoms. Let’s find out better which ones.

>   1.  What is a cold

>   2. Cold symptoms in dogs and cats

>   3. Dog colds: natural cures and remedies

>   4. Cat colds: natural cures and remedies

>   5. Natural advice

What is a cold

A cold is a viral infection that affects the upper airways. Colds are extremely contagious, especially during the first few days.

Cold symptoms in dogs and cats

In colds, there are frequent sneezing , clear nasal and ocular mucus, sometimes purulent. The lack of appetite and the state of prostration last for several days. Sometimes it happens that the dog and cat do not eat because they do not smell the food.

Dog colds: natural cures and remedies

In dog colds, to remove the catarrhal residues from the eyelid rim , which are sometimes so abundant as to glue the eyelid rim and close the eye, make a chamomile infusion , soak a make-up disc or a piece of soft cotton cloth and pass it gently on the eyelids, trying to make a kind of compress.

Do not rub as it could hurt the dog. The lukewarm compress dissolves the encrustation and the chamomile has a decongestant action.

The following medicinal plants can also be useful for the treatment of dog colds : 

• Echinacea : is a plant known for its ability to stimulate the immune defenses and for its bacteriostatic and virustatic action. The dry extract of Echinacea is used (12.5 mg of dry extract per day for every 5 kg of weight for a whole month).
• Rosehip : glycerine macerate: rich in vitamin C, rosehip has anti-inflammatory, vitaminizing and stimulating properties for the immune system. 10 to 40 drops are sufficient depending on the size of the dog, once a day for a few days. The drops can also be put into food.

Propolis, an effective antibacterial , can also be useful for the respiratory tract. It can be taken with food but, if the taste is not appreciated, it can be added to a little honey (2 drops per teaspoon, several times a day) or used in tablets: one for every 10 kg of weight. Propolis has an emollient, calming and disinfectant action .

Also discover the immunostimulating properties of echinacea

Cat colds: natural cures and remedies

For the cat, as for the dog, there are several natural remedies to relieve the symptoms of colds . In case of catarrhal residues from the eyelid rim it is useful to make an infusion of chamomile , soak a soft cotton pad and pass it gently on the eyelids, without rubbing but trying to make a kind of compress that will dissolve the encrustation.

Echinacea, a medicinal plant known for its ability to stimulate the immune system and for its bacteriostatic and virustatic action, can be useful for the treatment of colds in dogs. The dry extract of Echinacea is used ( 12.5 mg of dry extract per day for every 5 kg of weight for a whole month).

Propolis, on the other hand, is an effective antibacterial for the respiratory tract. It can be taken with food but, if the taste is not appreciated, it can be added to a little honey (2 drops per teaspoon, several times a day). Propolis has an emollient, calming and disinfectant action.

Natural Tips

In case of cat and dog lack of appetite, to entice them to eat, try to dirty their mouth with food .

In cats, prolonged fasting sets in motion metabolic mechanisms that are contrary to health and that make them even more anorexic, triggering a real vicious circle. So you have to do everything possible for the cat to eat something nutritious , even just a bite or two.

If he likes to drink, offer the cat broth of meat and / or vegetables , warm or fresh, according to his preferences.