Respiratory Infections in Pets: Complete Guide to Kennel Cough, Pneumonia, and Upper Respiratory Infections

Understanding Respiratory Infections in Pets

Respiratory infections are among the most common conditions affecting dogs and cats. While many are mild and self-limiting, some can progress to life-threatening pneumonia requiring intensive care.

Types of Respiratory Infections

Upper Respiratory Infections (URI):

• Affect nose, sinuses, throat
• Usually viral (like human colds)
• Often self-limiting (7-14 days)
• Common in cats, especially kittens

Lower Respiratory Infections:

• Affect trachea, bronchi, lungs
• Can be viral, bacterial, or fungal
• More serious than URI
• May progress to pneumonia

Kennel Cough (Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease):

• Highly contagious in dogs
• Multiple causative agents
• Usually mild but can become severe
• Common in boarding, daycare, shelters

Common Causes

Viral:

• Dogs: Canine parainfluenza, canine adenovirus-2, canine distemper, canine influenza
• Cats: Feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1), feline calicivirus (FCV)

Bacterial:

• Bordetella bronchiseptica: Most common in kennel cough
• Mycoplasma: Common in cats
• Chlamydia felis: Cats, especially eye involvement

<CTA1 />

Signs and Symptoms

Upper Respiratory Infection Signs

Nasal:

• Sneezing (frequent, repetitive)
• Nasal discharge (clear to thick/yellow/green)
• Sniffing, snorting

Ocular:

• Watery eyes
• Squinting
• Eye discharge (clear to thick)

Systemic:

• Fever (103-105°F)
• Lethargy
• Decreased appetite

Kennel Cough Signs

Classic Presentation:

• Honking cough: Dry, harsh, goose-like
• Gagging: As if something stuck in throat
• Retching: May produce white foam
• Triggered by: Exercise, excitement, pressure on collar

Duration: 1-3 weeks typically

Pneumonia Signs (More Serious)

Respiratory:

• Productive cough (wet, moist)
• Difficulty breathing
• Rapid breathing
• Open-mouth breathing (cats - always serious)

Systemic:

• High fever (104-106°F)
• Severe lethargy
• Complete anorexia
• Blue/pale gums (emergency)

Emergency Signs: Seek emergency care immediately for open-mouth breathing, blue/pale gums, collapse, or extreme difficulty breathing.

Diagnosis

Physical Examination

Auscultation (Listening with Stethoscope):

• Crackles: Fluid in lungs (pneumonia)
• Wheezes: Narrowed airways
• Harsh sounds: Inflammation

Diagnostic Tests

Bloodwork ($150-$400):

• Elevated white blood cells (infection)
• Inflammatory markers

Chest X-Rays ($300-$600):

• Essential for pneumonia diagnosis
• Pattern of lung involvement
• Severity assessment

PCR Testing ($200-$500):

• Detects viral/bacterial DNA
• Identifies specific organisms

Tracheal Wash ($400-$800):

• Culture and sensitivity
• Guide antibiotic selection

Treatment

Kennel Cough (Mild Cases - Home Care)

Rest and Isolation:

• 10-14 days minimum
• No dog parks, daycare, boarding
• Separate from other dogs

Cough Suppressants:

• Butorphanol: $20-$50/month
• Hydrocodone: $20-$60/month

Antibiotics (if bacterial component):

• Doxycycline: $20-$50 for course
• Clavamox: $30-$70 for course

Supportive Care:

• Humidifier or steam therapy
• Harness instead of collar
• Quiet environment
• Adequate hydration

Duration: Most cases resolve in 1-3 weeks

Upper Respiratory Infections (Cats)

Supportive Care (Most Important):

• Nasal cleaning: Gently wipe discharge with warm cloth
• Eye cleaning: Remove crusts with warm water
• Steam therapy: Bring cat into bathroom during shower (10-15 minutes, 2-3x/day)
• Humidifier: Cool mist near resting area
• Appetite encouragement: Warm food, strong-smelling foods

Medications:

• Antibiotics (if bacterial): Doxycycline, Clavamox ($30-$70)
• Antivirals (severe herpes): Famciclovir ($40-$100)
• Eye medications: Erythromycin ointment ($15-$40)
• L-lysine: $15-$30/month (may reduce herpes shedding)

Pneumonia (Requires Intensive Treatment)

Hospitalization ($1,500-$5,000):

• Oxygen therapy
• IV fluids
• Nebulization and coupage
• Continuous monitoring
• 2-7 days typical

Antibiotics (4-8 weeks):

• Doxycycline: $30-$80/month
• Enrofloxacin (Baytril): $40-$100/month
• Clavamox: $40-$90/month

Nebulization and Coupage:

• Nebulization: Deliver medication to lungs
• Coupage: Chest physiotherapy to loosen secretions
• Taught by veterinary team

Bronchodilators:

• Theophylline: $20-$50/month
• Terbutaline: $15-$40/month

Duration: 4-8 weeks of antibiotics typically

<CTA2 />

Cost of Treatment

Kennel Cough (Mild): $150-$500

Upper Respiratory Infection (Cat): $200-$800

Pneumonia (Outpatient): $500-$1,500

Pneumonia (Hospitalized): $2,000-$6,000

Prevention

Vaccination

Dogs:

• Bordetella: Every 6-12 months (required for boarding)
• Canine influenza: Annual (if at risk)
• DHPP: Core vaccine (includes respiratory viruses)

Cats:

• FVRCP: Core vaccine (includes herpes and calicivirus)
• Annual boosters recommended

Risk Reduction

• Avoid exposure to sick animals
• Good ventilation in kennels/daycare
• Isolate new animals (2 weeks)
• Proper sanitation
• Reduce stress (weakens immune system)
• Good nutrition

<CTA3 />

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is kennel cough contagious?

Typically 10-14 days from onset. Some dogs can shed bacteria for weeks after symptoms resolve. Keep away from other dogs for at least 2 weeks.

Can humans catch respiratory infections from pets?

Generally no. Most pathogens are species-specific. Exception: Some bacteria (like Bordetella) can rarely infect immunocompromised humans. Practice good hygiene.

When should I worry about coughing?

Seek veterinary care if:

• Coughing lasts >1 week
• Productive/wet cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Decreased appetite
• Lethargy
• Fever

Is steam therapy really helpful?

Yes. Steam:

• Loosens nasal secretions
• Makes breathing easier
• Soothes inflamed airways
• Helps clear congestion

Use 2-3 times daily for 10-15 minutes.

Can respiratory infections become chronic?

Yes, especially in cats:

• Feline herpesvirus becomes latent (lifelong)
• Stress can cause reactivation
• Chronic rhinitis (ongoing nasal inflammation)
• Requires long-term management

Conclusion

Most respiratory infections are mild and resolve with supportive care. However, pneumonia is serious and requires intensive treatment. Vaccination, good hygiene, and early veterinary care are key to prevention and successful treatment.

Keys to Success: Vaccination, early recognition, appropriate isolation, supportive care (especially steam therapy), and prompt treatment of complications.

---

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian.