Respiratory Infection Dog Treatment
A pair of organs situated in the chest, one on each side, the lungs function in cooperation with the blood in the oxygen-carbon dioxide transfer and, to a certain extent, in body temperature control as well. In all mammals, a partition strong in some and gossamer thin in others divides the chest cavity so that the lungs are separated. In the dog, this membrane is extremely thin, which means that if the chest cavity is broken open on one side so air enters, not only does the lung on that side collapse but its companion usually follows suit.
In humans, where the partition is stronger if one lung collapses the other may not. From the upper throat a tube called the trachea, made up of many rings of tough cartilage, runs down into the chest and branches into two bronchial tubes, one for each lung. (Bronchitis is an inflammation in the linings of these tubes.) They in turn branch and subdivide into bronchioles and finally into air sacs, each of which is surrounded by a network of blood capillaries so thin that gases can be absorbed or escape through them.
Sneezing, coughing, and runny eyes are the symptoms of respiratory infection. Though cats are more susceptible to URI upper respiratory infection dogs are also the victims of a disease called kennel cough. The following are the various types of upper respiratory infections.
Types of Respiratory Infections in Dogs
- Rhinotracheitis – This disease is characterized by common cough, sneezing, and discharge from the nose. This viral infection is also accompanied by a loss of appetite and a very high fever. The affected animal would also have discharge from the eyes.
- Calicivirus – This type of upper respiratory viral disorder is characterized by the development of ulcers in the mouth and tongue of the animal.
- Chlamydia – Chlamydia is a minute organism that resides in the eyes and the nasal tract of the animal. The eyes and nose would have discharge, tearing, and increased salivation. The dog would also cough often.
- Kennel Cough – The kennel cough is exclusively seen in dogs. It is quite common in dogs and the disease is so named as it generally spreads among dogs that have the habit of staying in confined kennels. Within in three days of the onset of the infection, the dog would have a rough hacking sound as if it wants to get rid of a cough inside the throat. The disease generally gets cured on its own. It takes around 7 to 21 days for the dog to recover from it.
Though kennel cough can be recovered naturally affected dogs are sometimes administered antibiotics, cough suppressants, and steroids.
The best possible treatment for respiratory infections is to maintain the overall health of your dog. You must serve your dog a properly balanced and nutritious diet. Along with a balanced diet you are also recommended to give your dog proper diet supplements that would help your dog to grow strong and fight bacterial and viral diseases.
See more: Tetanus in Dogs