Dog Rhinitis vs. Cold: How to Tell Them Apart

1 Dog Rhinitis vs. Cold: How to Tell Them Apart

1. Rhinitis Symptoms and Causes

Symptoms: an itchy nose with frequent scratching and head shaking; varying amounts of mucus or pus-like discharge, often with blood and foul odor. Heavy discharge blocks the nose, hurting breathing and eating—swallowing is hard.

Causes: cold weather (mucus congests and inflames); inhaled irritants (dust, pollen, ammonia, insects); or secondary to distemper, sinusitis, flu, etc.

2. Cold Symptoms and Causes

Cold symptoms: low spirit and limpness; watery (not thick) nasal fluid; frequent sneezing and coughing (rhinitis rarely coughs); hard swallowing; red, bloodshot, tearing eyes; low appetite, sometimes fever.

Cold causes: temperature swings, chills, poor nutrition, low immunity, or mouth/nose disease. Frequent colds can lead to pneumonia or pharyngitis. In cold periods, keep the dog calm, not exercised hard. A cold may also be viral flu—fever above 40°C with conjunctivitis and gut catarrh.

Now you know the differences. If unsure, see a vet or consult an online veterinarian.