Does my puppy have a cold?

by Elizabeth
(Oakland,CA)

I have a three month year-old chihuahua, she is very tiny, almost two pounds.

For the past few days she has been really quiet, refusing food and water. She's making this wheezing noise when she breathes and just sleeps a lot.

I don't know if to wait it out or take her to a vet.



Hi Elizabeth
Definitely take her to the vet.

Puppies (or dogs) don't really catch a cold the way humans do. They may get an upper respiratory tract infection which can cause sneezing and coughing, but this often requires antibiotics.

It could turn into pneumonia fairly easily, and if your puppy is sleeping a lot, won't eat and is wheezing, she could be quite sick. She's a tiny little girl and will need help to get better.

It's always better to be safe than sorry, but in this case I think it's vital that she see a vet.

Best of luck, hope she's feeling much better soon.