Respiratory infections in pets

If you have noticed signs of lethargy, coughing, sneezing, fever and runny eyes or nose, then your pet is probably suffering from a cold or upper respiratory infection. This is an infection of the nose, throat and upper airways similar to when humans get a cold or flu. Cats are particularly prone to respiratory infections, but dogs can also contract them, including the common problem of kennel cough.

You may also notice that your pet has stopped eating; this happens particularly to cats because their appetites are primarily driven by smell. If a cat’s nose is blocked and he cannot smell, he will probably become more picky about what he will eat or stop eating altogether for a few days.

Like humans, pets are also susceptible to secondary sinus and chest infections that can result from an untreated cold or initial upper respiratory infection.

Although respiratory infections usually resolve within about 7-10 days, very young or very old pets may be at serious risk when infected with a cold or respiratory infection. For this reason, one should never ignore a pet’s illness. Prompt attention and treatment will save your pet much discomfort and, in weaker animals, may even save their life.

When an external stimulus is able to pass through the nasal hair and reaches further to irritate the nasal mucosa, it sets of the semi-autonomous response of sneezing. Occasional sneezing is normal and is generally caused by foreign substances that irritate the nasal mucosa. Sneezing can also be caused due to a sudden change in climatic temperature and humidity.

While in humans the functional aspects of sneezing have not been established, it is not considered to be a good sign in domestic pets. Sneezing in healthy dogs may be indicative of numerous conditions including upper respiratory infection in canines.

A veterinarian assessment is called for if your dog is continuously sneezing. The first thing that needs to be eliminated is the presence of a foreign substance in the nasal passage since the sneezing can be caused by something as simple as a blade of grass that is disturbing the system. In such situations too it is better to seek veterinarian help to remove the object since you may irritate and damage the mucosa in the process.

Sinus infections

The sinuses are bony cavities in the skull that meet up with the nasal cavities and are prone to infection, especially after a cold or other upper respiratory tract infection.

In cats and dogs, sinus infections may be caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses and are sometimes even associated with tooth abscesses. Sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses) may also be caused by non-infectious ailments such as allergies.

How will I know if my pet has a sinus infection?

Typical signs of a sinus infection are sneezing, discharge from the eyes and nose, coughing or gagging and a postnasal drip. If your pet has never had such an illness before, it may be wise to have your vet investigate with X-rays or other tests to confirm a sinus infection.

If your pet has had sinusitis before, you will probably recognize the signs. Cats with a sinus infection may stop eating due to a decrease in their sense of smell.

How are sinus infections usually treated?

Sinus infections are usually treated with antibiotic drugs which are prescribed long-term in order to achieve penetration of the drug into the sinuses. Anti-inflammatory drugs are sometimes also used. Pets who are prone to recurrent sinus infections may be prescribed chronic medication for prevention.

Canine respiratory problems can originate in various locations in the tract. A problem may occur in the upper respiratory tract (nose and windpipe) or the lower respiratory tract (chest and lungs).

These conditions can range from a minor tickle in the nose that causes sneezing to trauma in the chest and from labored breathing to clinical shock. Regardless of the place of origin, practically all canine respiratory problems can cause obvious changes in the breathing pattern of your dog.

Even though symptoms like coughing and sneezing may seem minor, they should not be taken lightly. Sneezing and nasal discharges are not illnesses in their own right. However, they accompany a number of other respiratory conditions like hay fever, foreign objects in the tract or nasal tumors.

Intense or persistent sneezing can result in a nosebleed. Generally nosebleeds are manageable. They can be managed by applying a cold compress to the top of the nose between eyes and nostrils. However, care needs to be taken to tilt the dog’s head towards the back to avoid the nasal passage being choked by the dripping blood.

Although the symptoms are almost similar canine colds are not the same as the common cold in humans. Your dog may develop a cough, runny eyes, sneezing and there may even be a yellowish green discharge from the dog nose.

However, these are mostly the symptoms of a viral or bacterial infection that mimic symptoms of common cold. In most cases these symptoms disappear on their own over time. But it needs to be known that certain infections can progress into serious ailments if not attended to.

Canine colds fall under the category of dog respiratory problems and may occur due to the following common infections.

1.    Parainfulenza virus is the most common infection that produces symptoms of common cold in dogs. There is no effective vaccination available to protect canines against this virus and the condition is likely to run its course no matter what. At the most your veterinarian will try to evaluate the illness and prescribe medication to prevent secondary infections.

Asthma in pets

Asthma is not just a human disease and can also affect animals, including dogs and cats. When your pet suffers an asthma attack, it is due to inflammation and spasm of the airways as well as excessive production of mucus. This leads to difficulty in breathing.

The sign that most pet owners first notice is coughing. Your pet may also develop wheezing, a whistling sound produced by air traveling through narrowed airways. This sound is usually loudest as your pet exhales. In a severe asthma attack, respiratory distress may occur. Your pet may begin breathing with difficulty through the mouth and you may notice a purple color to the tongue and gums due to a lack of oxygen reaching the blood. This indicates an emergency and your pet should receive medical attention right away.

How will I know if my pet has asthma?

Dogs and cats of any age can get asthma, but it occurs more commonly in cats and in young or middle-aged pets. Asthma is particularly common in Siamese and Himalayan cat breeds. During an episode of asthma you may notice your pet’s breathing is shallow, rapid and labored. You may also notice that your cat or dog has to put a lot of effort into inhaling and exhaling and you may see the abdomen moving in and out quite dramatically.