Dogs and cats can’t talk, so it can be difficult to determine what is going on with them sometimes. But if your pet seems to be feeling sick, a common respiratory infection is often to blame – just like with humans.
Symptoms of a respiratory infection. In dogs, a respiratory infection will produce symptoms such as watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, discharge from the nose, and difficulty breathing. You might notice that your dog seems less active than usual, not wanting to play or eat. If you’re able to get his temperature, you might discover that he is running a fever.
In cats, some symptoms overlap with dogs, whereas others are quite different. You might notice labored breathing, lethargy, lack of appetite, sneezing, and discharge from the eyes or nose. Some cats might also develop ulcers in their mouth.
Diagnosis of a respiratory infection. As always, we urge you not to attempt a pet’s diagnosis on your own. Sometimes your pet’s symptoms could seem like a routine illness but actually be a sign of something more severe. Call us to schedule an appointment, and we will take their temperature and perform a full examination. We might need to perform diagnostics such as blood work or chest xrays.
We can rule out more serious conditions, and diagnose a respiratory infection if one is present.
Medications for respiratory infection. While a respiratory infection can be a more common and routine illness, it can become serious at times. We will prescribe medications as needed, such as antibiotics for the infection, treatments for symptoms such as cough, and occasionally anti-inflammatory drugs.
Respiratory infections in pets are almost always easily treated, but that doesn’t mean they can’t become serious. Do call us right away if you notice any of the above symptoms, as prompt treatment brings about a more swift resolution to the illness.