Puppy Colds - Caring for Your Puppy

Even though Florida doesn’t get snow, our weather still changes a lot — from warm, humid days to cooler evenings, sudden rain, and constant shifts between outdoor heat and indoor air conditioning. These quick temperature changes can be surprisingly hard on young puppies.

At World Class Cavaliers, we’ve seen that even a small temperature drop or the transition from moist outdoor air into cool A/C can trigger light colds or sniffles. Just like people, puppies can be sensitive to sudden environmental changes. Fortunately, when treated correctly, these minor colds are usually very easy to manage and resolve within a few days.

What We’ve Learned from Experience

After many years of raising and caring for puppies here in Florida, we’ve noticed that small colds often get treated with the wrong type of antibiotic. Many veterinarians commonly prescribe Clavamox or Amoxicillin for mild coughs, sniffles, or colds. While this medication can be useful for other types of infections, it is not effective for respiratory infections in puppies.

We’ve repeatedly seen cases where a puppy with a simple cold was given Clavamox or Amoxicillin — and instead of getting better, the infection progressed into pneumonia. That’s because Clavamox or Amoxicillin doesn’t target the specific bacteria responsible for most puppy respiratory infections. So what could have been cured in a few days turns into a long and difficult recovery.

Our goal in sharing this is not to criticize veterinarians, but to help other caring owners understand how to recognize when a treatment plan may not be the right fit.

The Right Treatment Makes All the Difference

From our experience, the following treatments have consistently worked well:

• For small colds, sniffles, or light coughing, doxycycline alone is often all that’s

needed. It’s gentle and effective, especially when started early.

• For more serious colds, respiratory infections or pneunomia, when symptoms

include deep coughing, thicker discharge, or lethargy, a combination of doxycycline

and azithromycin works best. This duo targets the infection directly and prevents it

from moving deeper into the lungs.

Always consult a trusted veterinarian who understands small-breed puppies before starting any medication, but be confident asking questions and sharing your concerns. It’s okay to speak up when something doesn’t feel right.

Home Care & Comfort Tips

Along with the right medication, a few simple home-care steps can help your puppy recover faster:

• Use a handheld nebulizer with saline or over-the-counter nebulizer liquid to clear

their airways and support easier breathing.

• Keep your puppy’s space dry, comfortable, and away from cold drafts or direct A/C

airflow.

• Avoid baths or outdoor time in wet or chilly conditions until fully recovered.

• Provide calm, quiet rest and plenty of affection — a loving environment always helps

recovery.

From Our Family to Yours

We share this advice as breeders who truly care about our puppies and the families who love them. Florida’s mix of humidity, rain, and constant air-conditioning can challenge even the healthiest little ones.

By recognizing early signs, choosing the right treatment, and providing warm care, you can help your puppy bounce back quickly — happy, healthy, and full of tail wags. ❤️🐶

World Class Cavaliers

(305) 527-5511

https://www.worldclasscavaliers.com

Description:

Florida’s temperature swings and A/C can cause puppy colds. Learn how experienced breeders care for puppies with sniffles or coughs, why Clavamox / Amoxicillin often makes it worse, and which treatments help prevent pneumonia.

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