Pets, just like people, can suffer from a wide range of health issues that cause them to cough and sneeze. Sometimes, coughing and sneezing is normal and not cause for concern. However, if your dog is coughing or sneezing consistently for long periods of time, it could be suffering from a serious condition, such as canine influenza. Canine influenza requires veterinary treatment and should not be ignored. At Silicon Valley Pet in Santa Clara, CA, our veterinarian will determine the cause of pet coughing and sneezing. We will provide the proper treatment to ensure that your pet gets healthy.
Causes of Pet Sneezing and Coughing
If your pet sneezes or coughs, it is not always a sign of a serious problem. Pets sneeze if the nose is inflamed or if a foreign object gets in the nasal passage. Sometimes, environmental allergies cause pets to sneeze.
Pets cough for several reasons. If your pet eats or drinks too fast, it may cough. It may also suffer from lung inflammation. While coughing and sneezing are not always serious, they can be. If your pet shows these symptoms often, it may be sick. Sneezing and coughing may be signs of respiratory diseases or other serious illnesses.
Canine Influenza
Canine influenza is very contagious, so it is not uncommon for a kennel to have an outbreak. Young puppies and senior pets are the most susceptible to contracting the influenza virus. It has also been found that humans that have contact with a sick dog can pass the virus on to their dog.
Canine influenza has several symptoms, including:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Runny or congested nose
- Fever
- Poor appetite
- Lethargy
- Watery eyes
You should contact our veterinarian if your pet displays any of these symptoms for more than a day. Often, pets that are not eating or drinking can become dehydrated and need an IV with fluids.
Protect Your Dog from Canine Influenza
There are a few things pet owners can do to prevent canine influenza. Keep your dog away from other dogs that are exhibiting signs of being ill. If your dog is showing signs of being ill, do not bring it around other dogs. It is important to bring your dog to our veterinarian immediately if it is showing signs of canine influenza.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Veterinarian in Santa Clara, CA
If your pet is coughing or sneezing, bring it to our veterinarian. At Silicon Valley Pet in Santa Clara, CA, our vet will perform a pet exam to determine the cause of your pet’s symptoms. If your pet is sick, we will provide treatment to get your pet back into good health. We are happy to answer any questions you have about pet coughing and sneezing. Call us today to schedule an appointment.