Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex Respiratory Illness in Dogs By Marty Greer, DVM | December 4, 2023
What new respiratory illness I am hearing about on the news? We are aware of a recent increased number of is this canine respiratory cases that are not responding to antibiotic treatment. At this time, we suspect Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) is the underlying cause. At our practices in Wisconsin, we have confirmed CIV as the cause in multiple dogs. In recent months, large groups of dogs have become affected with coughing, fever, pneumonia, and in rare cases, death from respiratory failure. These
home is one option. But as we discovered during COVID, this is not a perfect solution. We can vaccinate for Bordetella, parainfluenza, adenovirus, and canine influenza. The intranasal Bordetella, parainfluenza and adenovirus product creates local immunity – meaning that the virus and bacteria are blocked at the entry into the nasal and oral cavities. The oral vaccine may not provide parainfluenza protection as well as the intranasal. If your dog’s lifestyle has any risk of exposure, we recommend getting them vaccinated against CIV which involves a vaccination with a booster vaccination 3 weeks later. Annual boosters are then recommended. This is also a good opportunity to get the Bordetella 3 way vaccine for added protection if they are overdue. If the vaccine is not an option for you, we recommend you avoid activities that will lead to exposure and practice social distancing. This may require that you avoid people visiting your home and kennel. What are the causes of respiratory disease in dogs? There are several causes of Canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRD) also frequently referred to as “kennel cough”. Kennel cough is a collection of disorders, not a diagnosis. Viral agents include: adenovirus, parainfluenza, coronavirus, canine distemper, canine herpes virus, and canine
viruses and bacteria spread easily dog to dog in confined areas such as grooming parlors, doggie daycares, and dog events. This spreads through coughing, sneezing, barking, shared water and food dishes, and likely on humans clothing, hands, and shoes. Should I be worried about Canine CIV? Yes, this is a concern because there is no effective specific treatment against canine CIV and it can result in severe pneumonia or even death. It is highly contagious and most of the canine population is not vaccinated against CIV. The only treatment we have is supportive care – antibiotics for secondary infection, fluids for support and to reduce respiratory congestion, and cough suppressants such as Cough Tabs. We do not have anti-viral treatments for dogs. Are my dogs at risk for Canine Influenza Virus? The level of risk depends on your dog’s lifestyle. Dogs at greatest risk include those who go to boarding kennels, doggie daycares, groomers, dog parks, and those who participate in dog shows or other canine sporting events. People may be able to bring the virus in on their clothing, shoes and hands. What do you recommend? Prevention is the best approach. Of course, staying
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