Upper Respiratory Infections in Dogs

Upper Respiratory Infections in Dogs

What Pet Parents Need to Know (and How We Help Protect Your Pup)

If you’ve ever heard the term “canine cough,” you’ve heard about one of the most common upper respiratory infections (URIs) in dogs. While the name can sound alarming, most cases are mild and manageable — especially when pet parents take proactive steps to protect their dog’s immune system and stay current on vaccinations.

As a state-of-the-art lodging facility, we take illness prevention extremely seriously. But first, let’s talk about what URIs are and how they spread.

What Is an Upper Respiratory Infection in Dogs?

A canine upper respiratory infection affects the nose, throat, and airways. The most common cause is Bordetella bronchiseptica, often in combination with other viruses.

Common symptoms include:

• Persistent dry, hacking cough
• Sneezing
• Nasal discharge
• Mild lethargy
• Decreased appetite (in some cases)

Most dogs recover within 1–2 weeks with rest and supportive care. However, puppies, senior dogs, dogs who are prone to seasonal allergies, and immunocompromised dogs may experience more severe symptoms.

Why the Bordetella Booster Matters

The Bordetella vaccine helps protect against the primary bacteria responsible for kennel cough. While no vaccine guarantees 100% immunity (just like human flu vaccines), it significantly reduces:

• Severity of symptoms
• Duration of illness
• Risk of complications
• Spread to other dogs

For social dogs who attend daycare, grooming, training classes, dog parks, or boarding, the booster is especially important.

Most veterinarians recommend:

• Annual vaccination
• Every 6 months for highly social dogs

Staying current isn’t just about protecting your dog — it’s about protecting the entire dog community.

How Infections Spread 

Upper respiratory infections are highly contagious and can spread:

• Through airborne droplets (coughing, sneezing)
• Through shared surfaces
• Before symptoms even appear

Dogs can be contagious before they show any visible signs. That means a perfectly happy, playful pup can unknowingly bring a virus into any social environment — daycare, dog park, vet clinic, grooming salon, or training class.

Boarding facilities do not “create” these infections. They are simply environments where dogs socialize — just like children in school!

Our role is to mitigate risk as much as humanly possible.

How We Protect Your Dog at Our Facility

As a modern, fully air-conditioned, professionally managed lodging facility, we invest heavily in prevention protocols.

Vaccination Requirements

We require up-to-date Bordetella vaccinations for all dogs in our care.

Daily Health Monitoring

Our team is trained to identify early symptoms:

• Coughing
• Lethargy
• Nasal discharge
• Behavior changes

If we notice anything concerning, we act immediately.

Advanced Cleaning & Sanitation

• Hospital-grade disinfectants
• Regular deep cleaning of play areas
• Thorough sanitizing of lodging accommodations
• Strict dish and bedding protocols

Proper Airflow & Climate Control

Our fully air-conditioned facility allows for consistent airflow and humidity control — critical factors in reducing airborne pathogen spread.

ERV Ventilation System (Energy Recovery Ventilation)

Unlike many facilities that recycle indoor air, we are equipped with Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs).

The means we continuously bring in fresh outdoor air and exhaust stale indoor air – we do not simply recirculate the same air.

ERV systems improve indoor air quality while maintaining energy efficiency — a critical factor in reducing airborne pathogen concentration in enclosed environments.

Fresh air exchange is one of the most powerful (and often overlooked) tools in respiratory illness prevention.

 

UV Air Filtration Technology

We have also invested in a UV air filtration system integrated into our HVAC system.

UV light technology works by:

• Neutralizing airborne bacteria and viruses
• Reducing microbial load within the ventilation system
• Helping prevent buildup inside duct work

This adds an additional layer of protection to our already advanced airflow system.

Immediate Communication

If a dog shows symptoms while in our care, we promptly notify pet parents and isolate as necessary.

Supporting Your Dog’s Immune System at Home

Vaccination is step one — but overall health matters too.

Here’s how you can help strengthen your dog’s immune system:

• Feed high-quality, balanced nutrition
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Ensure proper hydration
• Reduce stress
• Provide regular exercise
• Stay current on all recommended vaccines
• Consider vet-approved probiotics or immune-support supplements

A healthy immune system = faster recovery and lower risk of complications.

The Big Picture

Upper respiratory infections are a common part of social dog life. Just like children in school or adults in busy workplaces, exposure happens.

Our commitment is to:

• Maintain the highest sanitation standards
• Require preventative vaccinations
• Monitor health proactively
• Communicate transparently
• Provide a safe, clean, structured environment

We cannot eliminate risk entirely — no social setting can — but we work every day to keep that risk as low as possible.

Your dog’s health and safety are our top priorities. And when we work together — facility + veterinarian + informed pet parents — we create the safest environment possible for every pup in our care.

If you have any questions about Bordetella boosters, immune support, or our prevention protocols, we’re always happy to talk.

-Bryce Curtis, General Manager at Red Fern Pet Lodge