Introduction
Upper respiratory infection symptoms in dogs generally include sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, and pawing at the nose and face. Symptoms such as fever, difficulty breathing, lethargy, and loss of appetite may occur in severe or progressive upper respiratory infections.
Symptoms of Upper Respiratory Infections in Dogs
Bordetella Virus
Upper respiratory infections that are caused by bordetella infections generally cause a deep, hollow, sounding cough in addition to sneezing, snorting, and gagging. The cough may become severe when the dog is excited or engaging in physical activity. Symptoms usually begin 3-5 days after the dog has been exposed to the virus or bacteria which is causing the infection, and the symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
Canine Influenza Virus
If an upper respiratory infection is caused by the canine influenza virus, symptoms can include coughing and thick green discharge from the nose. These symptoms may last anywhere from 10-30 days.
Canine Distemper
If an upper respiratory infection is caused by canine distemper, symptoms such as difficulty breathing, paralysis, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures will occur.
Secondary Bacterial Infections
If secondary bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, occur in the event of an upper respiratory infection, symptoms can become quite severe. Dogs with pneumonia may have difficulty breathing, they may have trouble getting up or they may refuse to participate in activities. They may also have a reduced appetite and a fever.
URI Caused by Parasites
Upper respiratory infections that are caused by lung flukes cause a deep cough to develop. Canine nasal mites can cause upper respiratory infection symptoms which include: pawing at the nose, sneezing, reverse sneezing, head shaking, and a runny nose.