Visit the veterinarian immediately if your cat or dog has the flu and develops a high fever or difficulty breathing.Ĭoughing is just one sign of feline asthma, a disease that affects the small airways in the lungs. Your cat may need IV fluids if he or she becomes dehydrated and antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections. Treatment of feline influenza is the same as for dogs. Canine influenza vaccines are available, but may not be effective against all strains of the influenza virus.Ĭats experience many of the symptoms that dogs do when they catch the flu, such as coughing, fever, lethargy and runny nose. If your pet develops a secondary bacterial infection, antibiotics will be prescribed. Your dog's veterinarian may recommend intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce fever and aches and pains. Limiting your pet's activities during the recovery period can be helpful. The illness usually lasts about 10 days to one month. Some dogs will develop the more severe form, which causes a high fever and pneumonia. Canine influenza causes a moist cough, sneezing, fever, loss of appetite, nasal and eye discharge and lethargy. The Association notes that nearly every dog exposed to canine influenza will develop the viral illness. Because the illness if fairly recent, many dogs haven't yet been exposed to it and haven't developed an immunity.
The first canine influenza strain emerged in 2004, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Several strains of the flu can sicken your cat or dog. A bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine can help protect your dog from contracting kennel cough, although the vaccine won't prevent infections caused by viruses. While your dog recovers, it's important to limit his or her usual activities and avoid using collars, as they can irritate the throat. Your dog's veterinarian may prescribe cough suppressants or antibiotics, depending on the severity of the disease. Recovery from kennel cough usually takes about 10 to 14 days. In severe cases, kennel cough can cause death. Puppies and dogs of any age with compromised immune symptoms are more likely to develop pneumonia. The infection is mild in most dogs, but some may develop pneumonia. If your pet develops a secondary bacterial infection as a result of kennel cough, low fever, runny nose, lethargy and loss of appetite may occur. In most cases, your dog will continue to be energetic, although running and playing may temporarily worsen the cough. Dogs contract the bacteria or virus by inhaling it from the air or sniffing contaminated surfaces, such as toys or food dishes.Ī dry, honking cough is the most noticeable sign of kennel cough. Pets that participate in training or agility classes, spend time in boarding or daycare facilities, participate in dog shows or are often around large groups of other dogs are most at risk of developing the disease.
Dogs catch it by interacting with other dogs that have been infected. Kennel cough is a contagious respiratory disease commonly caused by the bordetella bronchiseptica bacterium or a virus.
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