Respiratory Health in Dogs and Cats: Be Your Pet’s Best Defense Against Infection

We all get that same sense of dread every time we hear it – the sound of a friend coughing next to us at work or at a party. Those germs are headed right our way, and there’s a good chance we’re going to be the ones on cough syrup and lozenges in the next few days.

It’s easy for our dogs and cats to wind up in the same situation. Whether they’re spending the weekend at the boarding kennel, running around the dog park, or trying out another pet’s bed or toys, exposure to viruses and bacteria from their fellow animals can put our furry family members at risk of respiratory illness. 

Like the common cold in humans, most viruses that affect our pets can be easily treated with the right at-home care. While vaccines don’t exist for every virus, there’s plenty of good news: immunizations for serious illnesses, like Bordetella and canine distemper, can go a long way in keeping your pet healthy and protected. Let's cover the basics of respiratory health in pets.

Symptoms of Respiratory Infection in Dogs and Cats

The symptoms of viral or bacterial illness our pets may exhibit are similar to what we experience when we’re sick, including:

• Persistent cough (also known as “kennel cough” in dogs), especially at night, in the morning, or after activity

• Sneezing

• Running nose or congestion

• Eye inflammation

• Discharge from the eyes

• Mild loss of energy

Respiratory infection is highly contagious – and especially sneaky. The incubation period after exposure can range from 2 to 10 days, making the spread unpredictable, and symptoms can persist for 2 weeks. Plus, your dog or cat can still spread the infection 10 days after their last clinical symptoms, which makes keeping them away from other pets a must.

Prevention and Treatment of Respiratory Illness

While no vaccine can 100% prevent a respiratory infection, regular immunizations can reduce symptom severity and shorten the illness. All kittens should receive the FVRCP combination vaccine that protects against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP), and an adult booster every year. For dogs, the DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvo) and Bordetella vaccines, administered annually, help lower their risk of infection.

If your pet does contract a respiratory virus, the best way treatment is to allow the body to heal itself naturally. However, there are some steps you can take to ease your dog or cat’s symptoms, including giving your pet plenty of rest and ensuring they stay well hydrated. If your pet’s eye discharge becomes more serious, your veterinarian may prescribe a topical eye medication to ease the irritation. 

Because a common respiratory infection can develop into a life-threatening situation, such as pneumonia, it’s important to contact your vet immediately in the case of more serious symptoms:

• Infection that doesn’t seem to resolve within two weeks

• Loss of appetite

• Changes in breathing

• Lethargy

• Green nasal or eye discharge 

• Fever

Finally, to prevent the spread of the illness to other pets or prevent re-infection, be sure to disinfect the items your pet regularly uses, including food and water bowls, litter boxes, bedding, and toys.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kennel Cough and Other Respiratory Illnesses

Why don’t vaccines provide my pet with immunity against respiratory infections? Just as there’s no true protection for humans against the common cold and flu, the same goes for our dogs or cats. Viruses mutate rapidly year-to-year, and the strains that experts predict for immunizations don’t always match what ends up circulating in dog parks and kennels. Thankfully, some vaccines can significantly lower your pet’s risk of infection and ease their symptoms if they do contract it.

Can a respiratory infection travel from dog to cat or from pet to person?

Most pathogens that cause respiratory infections are species-specific, so transmission from dog to cat or vice versa is highly unlikely.

In extremely rare situations, bacterial infections, such as kennel cough, can be passed from a pet to a person with a weakened immune system. If your pet is sick and you are immunocompromised, it is recommended that someone else care for your dog or cat while they are showing symptoms.

Why can’t my veterinarian prescribe a medication to cure my pet’s illness?

Medical experts have yet to find a cure for the common cold in pets or humans. While bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics, most respiratory illnesses are caused by viruses. These germs are able to quickly change their structure, making them resistant to medications. Plus, the window for antivirals is extremely limited – by the time a pet shows symptoms, a prescription would no longer be effective. The best thing you can do for your pet is to allow the virus to run its course, provide them with plenty of rest, fluids, and love, and contact their veterinarian if symptoms worsen.

Protect Respiratory Health in Pets

When you adopt a pet from the Metro East Humane Society, you can rest assured that they have received the recommended vaccinations to help protect them against kennel cough and other respiratory illnesses. As a responsible pet owner, you can help keep their defenses up by talking with your veterinarian about a recommended vaccination plan that will follow them as they grow. In addition, MEHS offers drive-through vaccine clinics eight times a year, offering $20 Bordetella vaccines and free canine DHPP and feline HCP immunizations.

By sticking to a yearly vaccine schedule, you can help your pet live their healthiest life at every stage!