I don't really know if dogs can get colds and flu's, but it appears that's what Spud has, he's healthy and fine, but he has a lot of slime in his throat, sometimes he sneezes and shivers. Can dogs get colds? And how do I treat the slime in his throat?

Yes, they can get something similar. Please take him to a Vet. I am not a Vet, nor a professional, but have always had dogs.. . have 3 now.
I don't think you can do anything yourself about the slime. Please see a Vet. Good luck.

Dogs can catch a cold (not the same as a human cold, but close). Usually it just needs to run it's course, just like it does with us.

The shivering is my only real concern. If he's eating normally, drinking normally, defecating and urinating normally, then it's just really a matter of it getting out of his system. But, you know that we can't diagnose online. If you feel that this is a concern than the vet is always your best bet.

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Originally Posted by Alty

Dogs can catch a cold (not the exact same as a human cold, but close). Usually it just needs to run it's course, just like it does with us.

The shivering is my only real concern. If he's eating normally, drinking normally, defecating and urinating normally, then it's just really a matter of it getting out of his system. But, you know that we can't diagnose online. If you feel that this is a concern than the vet is always your best bet.

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He eats and drinks normaly, the shivers are like the ones humans get, like just a sudden shiver where you get goosebumbs all over, he just gets a sudden shiver, he doesn't accually sit there shivering the whole time. Should I make him warmer at night? It's starting to turn autumn in South Africa, so the nights are colder and it's raining like mad these past couple of days.

My JRT shivers whenever she's cold, more so as she gets older.
I keep a heating pad on low on the couch for her, with a thin blanket around it, and she burrows under it.
My previous dog caught a cold once when I stayed out with him all day and night and the next day on a holiday, and the poor guy was tired. His nose ran and he even coughed, and he got better in about 4 days.

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Originally Posted by Hayle101

He eats and drinks normaly, the shivers are like the ones humans get, like just a sudden shiver where you get goosebumbs all over, he just gets a sudden shiver, he doesn't accually sit there shivering the whole time. Should I make him warmer at night? It's starting to turn autumn in South Africa, so the nights are colder and it's raining like mad these past couple of days.

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My beagle gets the shivers too. I live in Canada, and the winters are very cold. He's the first dog I've ever had that needed a jacket. All the other dogs had long fur, so they were fine.

I would definitely try to make him warmer. Get him a little dog coat, or sweater.

Sounds like he simply has a cold. If he stops eating or drinking, or is very lethargic, than it's definitely vet time. For now I'd just keep an eye on him, make sure that he's staying hydrated, eating, comfy, and gets plenty of rest. Same as if you had a cold. :)

Don't worry he's a happy pooch. :) healthy too. We're going shopping next weekend, I'll look for some coats then, the dog coats we do have are for our mini doberman and she's a lot bigger than spud, he'll drown in them. Thanks for the advice, so the slime will just work itself out too?

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Originally Posted by Hayle101

Don't worry he's a happy pooch. :) healthy too. We're going shopping next weekend, I'll look for some coats then, the dog coats we do have are for our mini doberman and she's alot bigger than spud, he'll drown in them. Thanks for the advice, so the slime will just work itself out too?

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If it's a cold then the slime will go away when he gets over the cold. So yes, if it's a cold, it will work itself out.

Just remember, we're guessing here. We can't diagnose. Always keep that in mind. In the long run it's up to you. You're there, you can see him, you know him, so what you decide is ultimately your decision. We can guess, but a guess is a guess, not a fact, and certainly not a diagnosis.

Lol don't worry I won't gamble with his life, if he gets worse I'll defenatly take him to the vet.