Emerging and new respiratory disease pathogens appear to be our new normal, including those in our dogs. Over the past two decades, veterinarians and researchers have identified several novel viruses and bacterial strains capable of spreading rapidly among dogs, often in community settings such as kennels, dog parks, shelters, and boarding facilities. What was once a relatively predictable landscape of canine respiratory illnesses (like kennel cough) has evolved into a more complex and, at times, seemingly unpredictable situation, with outbreaks occurring in different regions at different times.
This evolving landscape of canine illnesses means owners and veterinarians must stay vigilant and stay on top of best practices for infection tracking, prevention, and treatment.
A History of Canine Respiratory Diseases in the United States
In 2004, the first canine influenza (H3N8) appeared in Florida, presumably from a mutation of the equine influenza. A second canine influenza virus (H3N2) appeared in the US in 2015. Thought to have originated in Korea, it hit the first metropolitan area in Chicago. It caused serious respiratory illness, closing down veterinary clinics, boarding facilities, and doggie daycares. Research showed multiple strains were circulating.
Because influenza was a new infection in dogs, nearly all dogs exposed were infected. Vaccines for both strains were developed. These were recommended for all dogs at risk, as all dogs were naïve to the virus as it emerged. It appears at this time that the H3N8 virus has disappeared. However, it is possible it will show up again.
Dogs at risk include any dog in contact with other dogs – barking, sneezing, coughing, and shared water and food bowls could all lead to the spread of the infection. When dogs go to dog parks, doggie daycare, the veterinary clinic, boarding or grooming facilities, dog performance activities, beer gardens, and associate with family’s and friend’s dogs, they are exposed and considered to be at risk, so dog owners and veterinarians will need to respond accordingly and take the proper precautions, such as isolation.
The Current Risk of Dog Respiratory Illness
In the fall of 2023, there was a canine influenza outbreak on the West Coast. At Veterinary Village, we identified multiple dogs who had attended a dog show on the West Coast with influenza, bringing it back home to Wisconsin and Illinois.
Additionally, a “mysterious” canine respiratory disease was reported on the East Coast that could not be identified as one of the dozen known respiratory diseases. Dr. David Needle and his team at the New Hampshire Veterinary Diagnostic Lab at the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture (COLSA) are currently hard at work to identify and classify what appears to be a new organism causing this mysterious disease. It popped up on the East Coast in the fall of 2023. At this point, it appears this is a mycoplasma or novel organism. It is not a bacteria, nor a virus. There are reports from multiple states, including Oregon and Colorado.
This new organism has caused thousands of dogs to become ill, and has been fatal to some. Not only is the organism different, but it also does not appear to respond to antibiotics. Common dog respiratory illness symptoms related to this particular condition include runny eyes, sneezing, coughing similar to kennel cough, and fever, progressing in some cases to severe pneumonia.
Until Spring of 2026, Dr. Needle is requesting veterinarians who see dogs with respiratory disease collect samples to submit to his lab for dogs who do not respond to typical treatment for respiratory infections. We can help with this research by collecting respiratory tract swab samples from dogs acutely ill with respiratory disease. After the sample is collected, the dog should be started on an appropriate course of treatment from your veterinarian. If within 5 to 7 days, the dog has not responded to treatment as expected, the samples should be submitted to his lab. He can be reached by your veterinary team at: [email protected]
Vaccinating Against Canine Respiratory Infections
For dogs in contact with other dogs at events, daycares, dog parks, boarding facilities, and groomers, vaccinating for influenza, Bordetella, parainfluenza, and adenovirus is strongly recommended to help prevent or reduce the severity of the illness. Of these organisms, influenza is the most likely to cause serious disease. In rare cases, canine influenza can be fatal. Influenza is vaccinated against with two doses of an injectable monovalent or bivalent vaccine. While these vaccines will not protect against this new mysterious disease, preventing these diseases we can vaccinate against will reduce the risk of co-infections, making this new respiratory disease less threatening.
There are three forms of Bordetella vaccines: injectable, intra-oral (in the mouth), and intranasal (in the nose). In our experience, our patients get the most protection when given the 3-way (Bordetella, parainfluenza, and adenovirus) intranasal product. We recommend only using the ADT delivery system, using no syringe, to reduce the possibility of an inadvertent injection of the intranasal product.
Several years ago, our clinic saw groups of field trial dogs who became very ill with a hot strain of parainfluenza virus. This helps us understand that even the most athletic, fit dogs are susceptible to airborne infections. Avoiding shared food and water bowls is a prudent way to minimize the spread of these respiratory illnesses.
Options for Treating Dog Respiratory Illness
Many dogs with respiratory disease have contracted a virus, such as parainfluenza. As a virus, they will not respond to antibiotics. Some dogs with respiratory disease have Bordetella, a bacteria or mycoplasma.
Typical treatment options for canine respiratory illness include:
- Supportive care – Rest, a stress-free environment, and close monitoring of symptoms.
- Softened or highly palatable food – Makes eating easier if your dog has a sore throat or reduced appetite.
- Fluids – To prevent dehydration, either at home or administered by your veterinarian if needed.
- Cough suppressants – To reduce persistent or painful coughing and improve comfort.
- Antibiotics – Used only when a bacterial infection is suspected or confirmed. The AVMA and AKC are working on a project to promote responsible use of antibiotics. Only use antibiotics as prescribed by your veterinarian.
- Anti-inflammatories – To ease airway irritation and reduce discomfort.
- Nebulization or humidification therapy – Helps moisten airways and loosen mucus for easier breathing.
Most cases of typical canine respiratory illness are mild and resolve with time and supportive care, but severe or persistent symptoms (such as difficulty breathing, refusal to eat, or lethargy) should always be evaluated by a veterinarian. This is especially important if your dog has been infected with this novel virus being studied by Dr. Needle and his team, where routine treatments may not be as effective.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Dog
Prevention is always the best medicine, and it is what can keep your dog safest. Keep your dogs up to date on all vaccines. Additionally, be attentive to current outbreaks, and keep your dogs isolated from other dogs if there is a risk in your community. If you are at a dog event or facility where there are coughing or sneezing dogs, stay home or leave immediately. Exposure is not worth the risk.
Although we cannot currently vaccinate for this new bug, keeping your dog protected against other respiratory diseases is important. Just like co-infections we saw during COVID-19, the same holds true. If the dog is sick with another infection, it will make him or her more vulnerable to this new and scary infection. If your veterinarian suspects your dog is ill with this novel infection, please have them contact Dr. David Needle at: [email protected].
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