Upper respiratory tract diseases in dogs

Upper respiratory tract diseases in dogs are common. The most common symptoms are sneezing, coughing and gagging. These can be caused by several different agents. Sometimes, it can get better on its own but if symptoms don’t improve, contact a vet.

Diseases of the upper respiratory tract in cats are a group of conditions. Dogs of any age or breed can develop symptoms and any part of the upper airways can be affected. Some conditions are lifelong problems, while others can improve on their own, with medication or surgery. Contact a vet if your dog is showing signs of being unwell.

Overview

What are upper respiratory tract diseases in dogs?

Upper respiratory tract diseases in dogs include conditions of the nose, throat (pharynx and larynx), and windpipe (trachea).

These diseases can be due to:

Structural problems:

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)
Foreign bodies in the nose or throat
Tooth root abscess
Laryngeal paralysis
Tracheal collapse

Infectious diseases:

Kennel cough

Inflammatory diseases:

Tumours

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of upper respiratory tract diseases in dogs?

You might notice some or all of the following signs:

Difficulty breathing
Loud, raspy respiratory sounds
Excessive panting
Snorting
Snoring
Coughing
Gagging or retching
Sneezing
Difficulty exercising
Worsening signs in hot or humid weather
Collapse
Vomiting and regurgitation

Risk

Are some dogs at higher risk of upper respiratory tract diseases than others?

Risks vary depending on the underlying cause.

Breed: Bulldogs, Boxers, Pugs, Shih-Tzus, Pekingese, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Dogue de Bordeaux, Chow Chow or any other flat-faced breed are at higher due to the shape of their head and airways. Small breeds such as Chihuahua, Maltese, Poodle and Pomeranian are at a higher risk of tracheal collapse.
Age: puppies and older dogs are at higher risk of complications from infectious causes of URTDs.
Lifestyle: dogs with an active outdoorsy lifestyle may be more at risk of foreign bodies; dogs with an active social life may be at higher risk of infectious causes of upper respiratory infections.
Older dogs are more prone to developing nasal tumours.
Dogs with poor dental care are at a higher risk of developing abscesses.

Diagnosis

How do vets diagnose upper respiratory tract diseases in dogs?

Diagnosis steps will depend on your dog’s signs and underlying condition.

Your vet usually starts by doing a full hands-on examination and assessing your dog’s facial shape, behaviour in certain circumstances and listening to your dog’s chest.

They will also carry out:

Visual inspection sometimes using a camera scope under sedation or full anaesthesia
Radiographs (x-rays)
Blood and urine tests
Growth or discharge sampling
MRI or CT scans

Vet treatment

How do vets treat upper respiratory tract disease in dogs?

Treatment for upper respiratory tract disease will depend on the exact cause.

Your vet may prescribe one or more of the following depending on your dog’s needs:

Anti-inflammatory and pain relief medications
Antibiotics if an infection is present
Surgery in cases of foreign objects, growths and structural diseases
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy in cases of tumours

Home treatment

Home treatment for dogs with upper respiratory tract disease

Follow your vets recommendations and treatment. In addition, you may:

Monitor your dog closely to identify any relevant changes in their condition.
Keep them in the bathroom with you while you are having a shower. The steam helps soften secretions.
Consider giving them soft and wet food if they have a reduced appetite or difficulty eating.
Avoid using a collar, use a harness instead.
Reduce the amount of exercise.

Prevention

How to prevent upper respiratory tract disease in dogs

Prevention tips will vary depending on the underlying cause. But basic care is essential to anticipate any problems.

Keep your dog up to date with their vaccinations and deworming.
Take your dog to your vet for yearly checkups.
If you are getting a puppy of a flat-faced breed, make sure you choose a reputable breeder.
Avoid breeding from dogs who show upper respiratory problems due to their face and airway conformation.
Make sure dental disease is treated promptly.
Keep your dog at a healthy weight and body condition and provide good quality food for their age and lifestyle.

When to worry