The infection is normally caused by a virus or bacteria and is comparable to a chest cold in a person, ranging from minor to severe. A dog with an respiratory disease will often improve on its own in one to three weeks. Respiratory infections are highly contagious.
Doxycycline is the preferred empiric treatment for canine and feline upper respiratory tract infections owing to its probable effectiveness against primary bacterial pathogens such as Bordetella bronchiseptica, Mycoplasma species, and C felis, as well as numerous secondary bacterial pathogens.
Treatment of Respiratory Infections in Pets
Once the veterinarian determines the cause of infection, treatment can begin. Medications to eliminate bacteria or relieve coughing may be prescribed. In some cases, anti-inflammatory drugs are administered.
It's often caused by bacteria or a virus, and it's highly contagious. Fortunately, it's typically not life-threatening unless it leads to complications like pneumonia. Any dog can contract an upper respiratory infection, but puppies, older dogs, and dogs with health issues are at greater risk.
Upper respiratory infections in dogs are highly contagious and spread through dog-to-dog contact and direct contact with infected objects, such as toys and bowls. If your dog is coughing, sneezing, or has a fever, take them to the vet as soon as possible for diagnosis.
For these patients, the guideline authors recommend the use of doxycycline empirically for seven to 10 days as the first-line antibiotic option as most common respiratory bacterial pathogens are susceptible to this medication.
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.
A honking noise, stridor (high-pitched continuous squeal usually on inspiration, or breathing in), or stertor (discontinuous low-pitched sounds like clicking or snoring) heard from a dog with collapsing trachea, laryngeal paralysis, or brachycephalic syndrome, may indicate that the pet is having trouble getting air in ...
Give the medication for the entire prescribed duration unless otherwise directed. Measure liquid forms carefully, and shake well before administering. This medication will take effect quickly, in about 1 to 2 hours. While effects may not be noted outwardly, gradual improvements are usually noticeable after a few days.
You can expect the symptoms of your cold or upper respiratory infection to last 14 to 21 days. A dry hacking cough may continue up to three or four weeks. To help you recover: Drink more fluids.
Sedation for Patients in Respiratory Distress
In dogs, reasonable choices for sedation are butorphanol, acepromazine, or dexmedetomidine, while butorphanol is the drug of choice in cats.
In the early stages, this often involves supplementing oxygen with the use of an oxygen cage, or a line that carries oxygen directly into the nasal passages. In more severe cases, however, dogs often must be placed on a mechanical ventilator.
Observe or place your hand over your dog's chest to count the number of times the chest rises (inhales) and falls (exhales). Each rise/fall combination counts as one breath. Count the breaths for 30 seconds and multiply by two to get the respiratory rate in breaths per minute.
Dogs that have bacterial pneumonia usually have a high fever, difficulty breathing, decreased exercise tolerance (tire easily), are lethargic, and/or have a cough. Other signs that may be present include a nasal discharge, loud breathing, rapid breathing, weight loss, anorexia, and dehydration.
Persistent lung infections often require a more persistent approach to care. With rest, supportive care and occasional antibiotics, most lung infections should improve in a few weeks. But if your symptoms persist beyond this time frame, you may have a chronic pulmonary infection.
The recommended dose for most dogs is 5 mg per lb. Most courses of amoxicillin are administered up to twice a day for 5 to 7 days, or for 48 hours after symptoms subside completely.
Respiratory infections often need time to run their course, and it is not unusual for patients to have a pronounced cough for 1-2 weeks despite antibiotic therapy. During this time, it is important to keep your veterinarian updated as to how your dog is doing at home in regards to appetite and energy.
A hallmark sign of pneumonia is a deep, soft cough that may not be productive, meaning your pet may or may not cough up mucus. The lung sounds of pets with pneumonia may sound loud and harsh or may be soft, as air is not circulating through areas of lung tissue affected by pneumonia.
Pets - including dogs, cats, and birds - are immune to human viruses that cause the cold. Pets can have colds of their own like kennel cough, dog flu, and upper respiratory infections.
Canine influenza, also known as the dog flu, is a contagious respiratory disease in dogs caused by specific Type A influenza viruses known to infect dogs, and is different from the seasonal influenza viruses that spread annually among people, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in dogs is a serious respiratory condition. This syndrome is the failure of the respiratory system to perform properly because of the accumulation of fluid in the lungs. This leads to inflammation and is a life-threatening syndrome.