Can Dogs Get Respiratory Infections From Cats?
People may think because dogs usually catch respiratory infections or kennel cough from kennels, that it must come from dogs. But, in actual fact, dogs absolutely can catch the infection from cats too! Read on to better understand the symptoms, how the infection spreads, and the treatment options.
We want to help you stay well informed about preventive pet health care. Explore our pet health resources and advice below to learn more.
Feline upper respiratory infection and upper respiratory infection in dogs can spread through discharge of the nose and eyes, as well as direct contact with an infected pet, or indirect contact by way of shared objects like dog bowls, bedding, toys, shoes and environment that have been contaminated by an infected pet. Your pet may become infected at the park, roaming your neighborhood or while visiting any location where other pets have been, including the pet store, hospital or doctors office or rest stop while traveling.
Should your pet begin to cough, sneeze or begin to produce discharge from their eyes or nose, it is important to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible to make a proper diagnosis. Once it has been confirmed, our veterinary team will recommend upper respiratory infection treatment options for your pet to help manage both the infection and any uncomfortable symptoms. Pets demonstrating obvious signs and symptoms of an upper respiratory infection should avoid visiting dog parks, roaming the neighborhood or coming into contact with other pets until effectively cleared by their veterinarian.
At Hope Springs, we carefully and confidently work to prevent and treat upper respiratory infections in cats and dogs. Upper respiratory infections are highly contagious and spread easily, making prevention the first and most important step in avoiding the risks of further complications associated with infection. Depending upon the condition or cause of infection, our experienced veterinary team may recommend vaccinations to prevent exposure and, in cases when vaccinations are not available, help educate you and your family on precautionary measures that may help reduce your pets risk of infection.
We take special precautionary measures to prevent the spread of infection once your pet arrives at our offices for an examination. Its our commitment to protect both the infected patient, as well as other patients being seen or staying in our facility. We know that reducing exposure, and effectively treating pets in a timely and safe manner will lower the risk of infection and decrease the risk of further complications. Our Locations
When Mr. Long-Whiskers sneezes, you may not think much of it. But when he sneezes again and again and a distinct ooze starts dripping from his nose, you come to the sinking realization that your cat is sick. Will your dogs succumb to the evil illness next?
Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.
The symptoms associated with colds and illnesses are designed to achieve maximum spreading of the infection by literally spraying the area with airborne germs. If your cats hacking and sneezing and oozing is caused by a bacterial infection, any dogs in the household are vulnerable to catching the same illness. Shared water and food bowls are prime locations for cross contamination, as well as social grooming and close proximity during sneeze attacks.
As miserable as your pets feel during their colds, the good news is that in most cases the illness is usually fairly short-lived. Viral infections usually run their course in about two weeks or so, while bacterial infections typically require antibiotics to knock the nasties out. Unfortunately since the symptoms all present very similarly, you wont really know which is making your cat sick without a vet visit. Unless you dont mind a house full of hacking, sneezing animals, you may want to take Mr. Long-Whiskers to the vet for a quick checkup and a few tests at the first sign of an illness.
Jane Williams began her writing career in 2000 as the writer and editor of a nationwide marketing company. Her articles have appeared on various websites. Williams briefly attended college for a degree in administration before embarking on her writing career.