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Reviewed for accuracy on May 11, 2020 by Sarah Wallace, DVM
Kennel cough and upper respiratory infections are common in pets, especially during winter months, and especially among kittens and puppies. While some colds can be resolved with at-home treatment, some may require medical care, so be certain you don’t need to take your kitty or pup into the vet (and when in doubt, bring them in to be safe).
Signs and symptoms of upper respiratory infection
The respiratory tract infection can be caused by a virus, such as canine influenza, or bacterial, such as kennel cough. Signs of a respiratory tract infection include:
Most upper respiratory infection cases in dogs and cats tend to be mild and will usually last about 7 to 21 days. If your pet shows signs of difficulty breathing, lethargy, and refusing to eat, or if they do not show improvement after 2-3 weeks of symptoms, the illness could be a more serious case, and you should seek veterinary attention.
Causes Of Upper Respiratory Infection In Dogs
There are several bacterial and viral causes of upper respiratory infections in dogs, and puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with compromised immune systems are more at risk.
Bordetella bronchiseptica is the most common bacteria that causes upper respiratory infections in dogs. This bacteria is related to Bordetella pertussis, which causes whooping cough in humans.
It can spread between dogs through coughing, clothing, or shared water bowls. It can lead to further secondary infections of E. coli, staph, and strep if untreated, and puppies may develop bronchopneumonia.
Upper respiratory infections in dogs can also be caused by viruses such as distemper, adenovirus, and influenza, among others. Parainfluenza is the most common viral cause of upper respiratory infections in dogs. Any of these viruses can cause severe damage to the respiratory system and lead to upper airway disease.
In addition, sometimes parasites can cause upper respiratory infections in dogs. For example, pneumonyssoides caninum, more commonly known as the canine nasal mite, can cause a number of symptoms and leave dogs open to secondary infection. However, canine nasal mite infection is rare in North America.
Lung flukes, which live in pulmonary cysts in the lungs, may also cause upper respiratory infection symptoms, though they are very rare and transmitted by eating crayfish.
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Upper respiratory infections in dogs can affect the bronchi, trachea, throat, and nasal cavities and are common, especially in dogs with compromised immune systems. Most dogs will have at least one upper respiratory infection in their lifetime.
These infections are often caused by bacteria and viruses that are quite contagious, which is why outbreaks are often seen in shelters, kennels, or places where a lot of dogs are together in a close space. Upper respiratory infections are usually difficult to treat in dogs, and relapses happen often.
The symptoms are typically similar to those of the common cold in humans, like sore throats, runny noses, coughs, etc. If you see the signs of an upper respiratory infection in your dog, then it is important to get to the veterinarian right away to begin treatment quickly and avoid complications.
Here’s what you should know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for upper respiratory infections in dogs.