Introduction
Upper respiratory infection in dogs is an infection which affects the upper airways including the bronchi, trachea, and sinuses. Puppies with undeveloped immune systems, and dogs with impaired immune systems, are at an increased risk of developing upper respiratory infections.
Causes of Upper Respiratory Infections in Dogs
There are a number of conditions which can cause upper respiratory infection in dogs, but the two most common causes of these infections are from bordetella infections and canine influenza infections. Other causes of upper respiratory infection in dogs include: pneumonia, rhinitis, sinusitis, lung flukes, heartworm infection, and nasal mites.
Many upper respiratory infections, particularly infections caused by bordetella and canine influenza, are highly infectious. These viral infections can spread quickly between dogs in multi-pet households, shelters, and pet stores. While a vaccine for canine bordetella and canine distemper is available, currently there is no vaccine available for canine influenza.
Dogs cannot catch upper respiratory infections from people, and people cannot catch upper respiratory infections from their dogs.
Symptoms of URI in Dogs
The symptoms of upper respiratory infections in dogs that appear depend on why the infection has occurred. Some medical conditions cause symptoms similar to upper respiratory infections to appear. These conditions include: tumors of the nose, larynx, and trachea, lung tumors, and a collapsed trachea.
Treating Upper Respiratory Infections
Most upper respiratory infections can be successfully treated, and in most cases they do not endanger the dog’s health. However, if a secondary bacterial infection occurs a more dangerous situation can quickly develop. These infections are particularly hard on puppies, elderly dogs, and dogs with lowered immune function.