Protecting Your Dog from Canine Respiratory Diseases

A vet shares the latest on transmission, prevention, and what pet owners should look out for to keep their dogs healthy and safe

From The LifeMinute.TV Team

April 8, 2025

As the weather warms up, and dogs are out and about more, it’s important to start discussing pet vaccination options with your veterinarian. Dr. Natalie Marks, a veterinarian, shares the latest information on transmission, prevention, and what pet owners should look out for to keep their dogs healthy and safe.

Respiratory disease in dogs starts to ramp up in the spring, peaking between Memorial Day and Labor Day, with July being the peak month. Therefore, it’s important to start thinking about and talking with your veterinarian about vaccine options for your pet.

Diseases such as Canine Influenza Virus (CIV), Canine Parainfluenza Virus (CPIV), and Bordetella bronchiseptica are prevalent during the respiratory season. They can easily be transmitted through direct contact, contaminated surfaces like toys, leashes, or water bowls, and by respiratory secretions. Both diseases can quickly spread in daycares and kennels. As families plan to travel for spring break and consider boarding their pets, it's the perfect time to think about getting them vaccinated to avoid the spread of these diseases.

While most cases are mild, with symptoms including cough, fever, runny nose, lethargy, and loss of appetite, persistent coughing can cause prolonged discomfort, and, in severe instances, these diseases can result in pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. Dr. Marks advises that the best strategy to protect your dog is prevention through vaccination. Merck Animal Health offers two preventive vaccines — NOBIVAC® Intra-Trac® Oral BbPi and NOBIVAC® NXT Canine flu H3N2.

NOBIVAC® Intra-Trac® Oral BbPi is the first and only oral vaccine that delivers dual protection against Bordetella bronchiseptica and Canine Parainfluenza Virus, two of the most common causes of kennel cough. It is administered orally by simply twisting the Immuno-Mist-R applicator until tight and misting toward the back of the mouth for can’t-miss coverage.

NOBIVAC® NXT Canine flu H3N2, which is now available in vet clinics across the U.S., is the first and only canine influenza vaccine built on Merck Animal Health’s RNA-particle technology platform to protect against the critical influenza strain of concern of canine influenza virus circulating in the country.

Learn more at merckanimalhealth.com and pet parents should ask their vet about protecting your dog against canine influenza with NOBIVAC®.