Care and Treatment of Dog Cold Symptom (s) and Upper Respiratory Infections
"Dog Cold Symptom (s) are due to the common types of upper respiratory infections that dogs can catch. These infections can reside in the upper bronchi, trachea, throat and nose. Canine cold symptoms includes congestion, sneezing, cough, fever and lethargic behavior. If the condition is mild, then symptoms will only include an infrequent cough or mild sneezing. In cases where the upper respiratory infection is more severe, the symptoms can become more pronounced or dramatic. Most dog colds are due to a common ondition called kennel cough (infectious tracheobronchitis). Other less common causes are distemper, adenovirus and parainfluenza, as these are prevented with routine vaccination. Canine flu or influenza (H3n8) is not seen that often. In rare cases canine cold symptoms can be caused by tracheal collapse or a foreign body caught in the respiratory system. If your dog is suffering from any of the symptoms described above, visit a veterinarian since treatment depends on the specific diagnosis of the underlying cause."
Dogs get a variety of upper respiratory infections (URTIs), including viruses that resemble the common cold that humans get. They don’t get the same virus as humans, though. Infections can take hold in the dog's trachea, upper bronchi, throat and nasal cavities.
Dog cold symptom (s) may include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, lethargy and runny eyes. Mild dog cold symptoms includes infrequent or mild sneezing and cough. In more advanced cases the symptoms become more pronounced or severe. Symptoms can appear in a relatively quick time frame.
Causes of Dog Colds and Upper Respiratory Infections
The most common cause of dog cold symptoms is kennel cough. Many other types of viruses and bacteria can cause upper respiratory symptoms, as indicated below, although these are less common. Dog flu (also called canine influenza or H3N8 is rarely diagnosed with the exception of dogs that are kept in close proximity to others such as in a kennel, dog breeding facility or dog racetrack. Standard core vaccination protects against most viruses.
Canine Kennel Cough: As mentioned, dog kennel cough is the most common cause of the dog cold symptom indications described above. It is characterized by a raspy hacking cough that brings up a white foamy phlegm (sometimes mistaken for vomiting). In chronic cases, kennel cough can disrupt a dog's normal behaviors such as sleeping and eating. Note that the dog kennel cough vaccine does not protect against all strains of the bacterium, so even vaccinated dogs may contract the disease.
The
bacterium (Bordetella) is transmitted from dog to dog when living in
close proximity such as in a breeding facility or boarding kennel.
Kennel
cough diagnosis is often based on the dog's history and in-office
examination, such as if your dog recently visited the groomer or a
kennel. In more advanced cases, the veterinarian might
recommend
x-rays to rule out problems such as a foreign body in the trachea or
canine pneumonia.
Kennel cough treatment involves the use of the
medications penicillin or tetracycline. Another medication may be
recommended to address any dog coughing. A homeopathic remedy
formulated to boost the immune system and support the recovery of dogs
from Kennel Cough such as KC-Defense
may also be of help.
Dog Cold Symptoms can indicate Kennel Cough, a condition common among dogs that live in close quarters
Source: Washington State University
Parainfluenza: This is a highly contagious respiratory illness, characterized by chronic coughing and sneezing.
Adenovirus type-2: This virus causes cold-like symptoms and can also cause kennel cough.
Pneumonia: If untreated, colds and other viruses and
respiratory infections may develop into pneumonia. Pneumonia is an
inflammation of the lungs, characterized by coughing and difficulty
breathing.
Distemper: With this illness, cold symptoms are often accompanied by gastro-intestinal symptoms. Dogs should be vaccinated against distemper, since it is a severe illness and has a high mortality rate.
These types of infections usually run their course in 10 to 14 days.
Canine Influenza Virus: The canine influenza virus (H3N8) was first diagnosed in 2004 in Florida, U.S. It was spread from horses to dogs and has been seen in many States in the U.S. A similar dog virus (H3N2) has been seen in South Korea and southeast Asia and the United States.
Symptoms of canine influenza virus include cough that persists for up to 3 weeks, discharge from the nose and a low fever. If a dog has a more sever case, fever can reach 106F with increased breathing.
There is a vaccine available for dog influenza virus, however, it isn't a commonly provided, unless a dog is traveling to a region where the virus is prevalent. There are no reported cases of canine influenza virus jumping from dog to human.
Dog Cold Symptom Diagnosis
Puppies and older dogs should see a veterinarian for dog cold symptom diagnosis and treatment if they have symptoms of a respiratory illness. Adult dogs that are in good general health can be treated at home as long as symptoms are not too severe.
Your vet will do a complete physical examination of your dog and may do some blood work as well. He or she may also take a chest x-ray if your dog’s breathing is very congested to look for pneumonia.
Dog Cold Symptom Treatment
Your veterinarian may prescribe an antibiotic in case your dog is suffering from a bacterial infection. If it is a viral infection, the antibiotic won’t help, but even if it is a virus, secondary bacterial infections often set in once the immune system is depressed.
You can provide supportive measures to your pet at home. Keep your dog warm and dry. Especially limit time spent outdoors in cold weather, because the cold will cause the bronchial passages to constrict, making it hard for him to breathe. You can also run a vaporizer near your dog’s sleeping area to keep his bronchial tubes moistened.
We do not recommend giving your dog over the counter cough and cold medicines since they can easily be overdosed. You could give your dog some luke warm chicken soup which will be enjoyable for your pet and help keep them hydrated. You could also give your dog some relief by turning your bathroom into a steam room by running the shower very hot and then having your dog breath in the steam for 5 to 10 minutes. This will help loosen any congestion.
If you dog stops eating or if any coughing prevents sleep (for yourself or your dog), then visit a veterinarian.
Natural Dog Respiratory Infection Remedies
Natural remedies can safely reduce your dog’s uncomfortable symptoms during an upper respiratory tract infection and possibly cut recovery time. They can also help to bolster the immune system..all without side effects. Herbs such as Calc. sulph. (D6), Ferrum phos., Hepar. Sulph. (12C), Verbascum thapsus (Mullein leaves) and Sambucus nigra (Elder flowers) are all good choices.
A helpful supportive herbal supplement to help ease the symptoms of a canine cold such as easing the airways and clearing the nose is Respo-K.
References
Canine Influenza Virus Infection
Crawford, C., Dubovi, E., Donis, R., Castleman, W., Gibbs, E., Hill,
R., Katz, J., Ferro, P., Anderson, T.
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