Pets can catch a number of respiratory infections from bacteria and viruses in their environment. While your younger cat or dog may have developed a mild respiratory infection that cleared up without incident, a respiratory infection in your senior pet can become much more serious. Read on to learn more about respiratory infections in senior pets, and how to keep your greying pet healthy. 

What are respiratory infection signs in senior pets?

As you might suspect, respiratory infections in pets cause signs similar to colds in people, such as:

* Sneezing

* Coughing

* Nasal or ocular discharge

* Eye inflammation

* Difficulty breathing

* Lethargy

* Decreased appetite

Additional signs, such as oral ulcers or joint swelling, can occur with specific respiratory infections. If your senior pet shows respiratory infection signs, schedule an appointment with your family veterinarian immediately, before their condition worsens. 

Which respiratory infections are common in senior pets?

Respiratory infections can be caused by a number of common pathogens. Some are unique to dogs or cats, whereas others can be contracted by both species. 

Canine influenza virus — The H3N2 and H3N8 influenza viruses typically cause a mild respiratory infection, but some dogs develop pneumonia, which can become life-threatening. Older dogs, in particular, are more likely to develop serious complications. 

Bordetella bronchiseptica — This bacteria can cause kennel cough in dogs and respiratory infection in cats.

Parainfluenza virus — The parainfluenza virus is another pathogen that contributes to kennel cough in dogs. 

Feline herpesvirus — Herpesvirus, which causes feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), is a common respiratory pathogen in cats. Infected cats can become lifelong carriers, and can experience flare-ups during stressful situations. Cats with FVR can also develop eye ulcers.

Feline calicivirus — In addition to typical respiratory signs, feline calicivirus can cause joint inflammation and painful oral ulcers that often cause inappetence in cats. Affected cats may require nutritional support while they recover from infection.

Chlamydophila felis — Chlamydia infections typically cause mild respiratory and ocular signs, such as eye redness, swelling, and discharge, in cats. 

How do senior pets become infected with respiratory pathogens?

Respiratory infections are spread via aerosolized droplets that a sick pet emits when they cough or sneeze. Pets may inhale the bacteria or viral particles from the air, or contact pathogens that land on inanimate objects, such as food bowls, bedding, or surfaces.

Pets are most likely infected in boarding, grooming, and doggy daycare facilities, where they come in contact with many other pets.

How are respiratory infections diagnosed in senior pets?

A general respiratory infection can typically be diagnosed based on your pet’s history and physical signs. Although your family veterinarian may be able to make an educated guess regarding the specific pathogen involved, a definitive diagnosis can be obtained only by sending airway samples to a veterinary laboratory for bacterial culture or viral isolation tests. A specific diagnosis is often unnecessary in younger pets with mild infection signs but may be required to treat an older pet who develops a more severe disease, including pneumonia. 

Additional diagnostic tests, such as blood work and chest X-rays, may be required to gauge the severity of your pet’s infection.

How are respiratory infections treated in senior pets?

Mild respiratory infections are often treated with antibiotics, and medications such as cough suppressants, eye ointments, and appetite stimulants, to control clinical signs. Pets with severe respiratory infections may require hospitalization and more intensive supportive treatment, such as nebulization, oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, and nutritional support.

How can I prevent a respiratory infection in my senior pet?

The majority of respiratory infections can be prevented by keeping your pet up to date on important vaccinations. Some senior pet owners assume their pets have built up a lifetime of immunity and no longer need vaccinations. Additionally, they may fear that vaccinations are too much for their senior pet. On the contrary, senior pets often have a weakened immune system, especially if they have a chronic medical condition, and vaccinations are critical for their protection against infectious diseases. Your family veterinarian will assess your senior pet’s risk and determine the appropriate vaccinations, to reduce their infection risk.

If your senior pet has a chronic medical condition, a simple respiratory infection may turn into a much more serious problem. As you consider hospice care or in-home euthanasia, our telehospice service or a Lap of Love veterinarian in your area can provide the support you need to make difficult decisions for your pet.