Definition
Infection of the upper respiratory tract (URT) in dogs is an infection of the upper airways, which include the bronchi, trachea, throat and nasal cavities.
How Upper Respiratory Tract Infections Affect Dogs
Dogs with URT infections show a variety of classic signs, including sneezing, coughing (dry and hacking or moist and productive), nasal irritation (scratching, pawing, head/face/nose rubbing), head shaking and nasal and ocular discharge. Other common signs are low-grade fever, breathing difficulty, exercise intolerance, lethargy and anorexia. Puppies, unvaccinated animals, elderly dogs and dogs with impaired immune systems are at an increased risk of developing upper respiratory infections.
Causes of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Dogs
Infections of the URT are common in dogs and tend to be caused by a combination of primary and secondary pathogens, including viruses, bacteria and mycoplasma. Bordetella bronchiseptica is the most common primary bacterial pathogen causing canine URT infection (it causes infectious tracheobronchitis, commonly called “kennel cough”). Among the viral causes, the relatively newly-identified canine influenza virus and the canine distemper virus are seen most frequently. Less commonly, canine URT infections are associated with nasal mites (Pneumonyssoides caninum) or lung flukes (Paragonimus kellicotti). Most of these infectious pathogens are highly contagious and spread rapidly between dogs, especially in multi-pet households and other high-density areas such as pet stores, animal shelters, grooming facilities, boarding facilities, dog parks and dog shows, especially when those areas are not kept clean.
Preventing Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
Most canine URT infections are preventable through proper use of vaccines and appropriate cleaning and quarantine measures. Strong immune systems that are supported by good nutrition, a healthy lifestyle and environmental hygiene can help minimize the adverse effects of URT ailments in companion dogs. Because these infections are perpetuated by the shedding of pathogens in the respiratory secretions of dogs, prevention is especially critical in areas where dogs congregate in high-density.
Special Notes
Uncomplicated upper respiratory infections usually can be successfully treated by outpatient supportive care, exercise restriction and possibly antiinflammatories, antibiotics, cough suppressants and/or bronchodilators. However, some primary and secondary infections are very serious, particularly in puppies, elderly dogs and other immunocompromised dogs. Dogs with severe disease may require hospitalization. Canine distemper can progress to severe systemic disease and frequently is fatal, especially to young unvaccinated dogs.