September is ‘Breathe Better September’ – typically for people, but we believe our pets deserve attention as well. Like people, dogs and cats can develop respiratory diseases. Fortunately, the most common ones we see in our patients are generally mild and often resolve with time.
Dogs
Dogs can get canine cough, formerly known as kennel cough. It’s not just limited to boarding kennels or daycare; any contact, direct or indirect, can lead to infection. The good news? We can vaccinate against the most common viruses and bacteria that cause canine cough with either a vaccination we squirt up the nose, or an injection.
However, canine cough isn’t the only reason a dog might be coughing. If you have a coughing dog, it’s best to call us to get it checked. We may ask you to leave your dog in the car, so we can check it outside to prevent the spread of any potential infection.
Read more about canine cough here.
Cats
Cats can also suffer from respiratory diseases, with the most common being ‘cat flu’. Similar to a human cold and caused by viruses, we typically only treat it if the cat is feeling unwell. As with dogs, we can vaccinate cats annually to protect against the main viruses that cause cat flu.
If your cat seems unwell or has trouble breathing, don’t hesitate to get call us- especially with breathing issues as this requires prompt treatment.
You can read more about respiratory disease in cats and vaccinations in our earlier blog.
Inhalers
Though less common than cat flu and canine cough, cats can develop asthma and dogs may suffer from bronchitis. We diagnose and treat these conditions similarly to how they are handled in people. Cats and dogs can be trained to use inhalers both as a preventative and as a treatment in suitable cases. Inhalers offer a better alternative to daily tablets or liquids by reducing the risk of side effects associated with treating the entire body.
When to Seek Help
If you notice your pet has any trouble breathing, even occasionally, it’s important to have them checked. There are many reasons for breathing difficulties, and early intervention can make a significant difference. Heart disease, for example, is one of the many causes of breathing difficulties, which we’ll discuss in our next blog for World Heart Day on 29th September 2024.
Phillipa Bagnall and The Halifax Team
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