With cold and flu season well in force, here are our team’s top three tips for easy pet care when you’re down and out with “The lurgy”.

Unfortunately, many human cold and flu medications can be potentially fatal for cats and dogs.

Whilst paracetamol at a carefully prescribed dose is usually well tolerated in dogs with healthy livers, paracetamol at any dosage is fatal for cats. When paracetamol is given to cats or administered at excessive doses in dogs, toxic by-products are formed that can damage red blood cells and the liver. Affected pets will show symptoms such as:

Vomiting

Tummy pain

Rapid breathing

Jaundice (yellow discolouration of the skin and eyes)

Weakness

Discoloured gums (pale, blue-tinged, yellow or even a brownish colour)

Overdoses of ibuprofen in either species can lead to tummy upset, stomach ulcers, or severe kidney, liver or brain damage. Symptoms of ibuprofen toxicity in cats and dogs include:

Vomiting and/or diarrhoea, which may be bloody or tarry in appearance

Tummy pain

Increased or decreased drinking and weeing

Lethargy

Weakness

Pale gums

Jaundice

Seizures

The decongestant pseudoephedrine acts as a stimulant to the cardiovascular and central nervous systems, leading to symptoms such as:

Agitation, hyperactivity or panting

A rapid or irregular heart rate

High blood pressure

Dilated pupils

Tremors or seizures

An elevated body temperature

Always keep your medications up in a secure cupboard that your pet can’t reach. And if you do ever suspect that your pet has consumed human medications, it’s best to phone our team or the Animal Poisons Helpline for immediate advice. Time is of the essence when it comes to the successful treatment of poisoning.

Expending your pet’s energy when you have none can be tricky! We’d recommend easy exercise and mental stimulation options such as:

Playing fetch with your dog down a hallway or in the backyard

A five-minute play session with your cat with a dangly toy or a ping pong ball

Hiding treats around a room for your pet to sniff out

Presenting treats to your pet in a challenging puzzle toy

Presenting dogs with a safe, long-lasting dental chew

If you’re really down and out, you should at least keep up with regular toileting breaks for your pet to ensure that they’re not holding urine or poo for unhealthy amounts of time (or soiling the house). Ensure cat litter trays are scooped daily and take your dog out for toileting breaks at least three times a day (or more frequently if they are a puppy or senior).

Last but not least, remember to utilise your pet’s capacity for therapeutic cuddles! Snuggling or petting your dog or cat for just ten minutes a day helps lower your levels of cortisol, which will benefit your immune function. Plus, who doesn’t want to stay at home and cuddle their pet?

For more tips on pet care at home, consult our helpful team.