My 2-year-old Bichon Frise has been coughing all day with mucus on its nose but no sneezing — could this be a cold, and how should I treat it?

A Bichon Frise coughing with nasal discharge but no sneezing could signal either canine distemper or an early cold. For a simple cold, keep the dog warm and use a vet-approved canine cold remedy; if signs persist, get a veterinary check to exclude distemper.