How Long Is a Dog With an Upper Respiratory Infection Contagious?
It’s not uncommon for dogs with highly contagious upper respiratory infections to be asymptomatic. Unfortunately, this means they could inadvertently spread viral or bacterial pathogens to other dogs for as long as two weeks without anyone being aware.
Even if your dog has the honking cough, they will probably have been contagious for a few days before its appearance. Once the symptoms appear, limit your dog to potty breaks in the yard, where possible. Depending on the type of viral or bacterial pathogens involved, it can take anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of months for them for these pathogens to stop being contagious on surfaces.
“It’s very important to keep your dog away from other dogs while he is sick, and for at least a week after he feels better,” Dr. Brookshire says. That means that they should stay away from other canines for at least a week after all symptoms disappear. Don’t forget that elderly dogs, puppies, and those with underlying health conditions could end up very ill or even die from complications following a serious upper respiratory infection.
Thankfully, most upper respiratory infections are mild and self-limiting and should resolve within a week to 10 days. Plus, the pathogens generally only affect other dogs. Bordetella bronchiseptica can result in illness in humans, but reported cases are exceptionally rare.
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Are you noticing your dog has a runny nose and a sudden, harsh cough that sounds like a goose honking? There’s a good chance they’re suffering from an upper respiratory infection. You might dismiss a cough as something that will pass in a few days. While this is often the case, these types of infections can spread and lead to serious illness in more vulnerable dogs.
Learning more about the types and symptoms of upper respiratory infections in dogs means you can be proactive about preventing their spread and keeping your dog comfortable.
Symptoms Of Upper Respiratory Infection In Dogs
Symptoms of upper respiratory infections in dogs can vary somewhat depending on the cause of the infection. Usually these are similar to what humans experience when they have a cold.
If you see the following symptoms in your dog, then get to the vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment:
