Understanding and Managing Upper Respiratory Infections in Foster Dogs
Understanding Upper Respiratory Infections in Dogs
Just like humans can catch colds, dogs can come down with upper respiratory infections (URIs), too. These infections affect the nose, throat, airways, and sometimes lungs. They're often caused by a virus or bacteria and are especially common in environments where many dogs are housed together, like our shelters.
At Fort Worth Animal Care & Control, URIs are unfortunately a common part of shelter life. Between the stress of the shelter environment, lack of prior vaccinations, and exposure to new pathogens, many dogs arrive with weakened immune systems. This is why isolating your foster dog during the first few days at home isn’t just for decompression — it's also a key part of monitoring for illness.
Symptoms to Watch For
Most URIs resemble a human cold. Your foster dog might show symptoms such as:
Coughing
Sneezing
Runny nose
Eye discharge
Sore throat (may show as reluctance to eat or bark)
Fever
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
You may also notice behavior changes — a normally active dog may become more withdrawn, sleepy, or uninterested in walks or playtime. Some dogs experience coughing more at night as they settle down. It’s also not uncommon for symptoms to get a bit worse before they improve, especially during the first few days of treatment.
Why Isolation Matters
We recommend a 5–7 day isolation period for every new foster animal in your home. This period allows your foster dog to decompress in a low-stimulation environment and gives you time to monitor for emerging symptoms, especially contagious illnesses like URIs.
If you have other pets at home, to ensure their health during your fostering journey, make sure that they are update to date with their vaccines. This is a requirement for fostering with FWACC.
Even if your foster appears healthy at first, there’s often a 2–10 day incubation period, during which they may be contagious to other pets in your home before symptoms appear. Isolation is your best tool for protecting both your foster and your resident pets.
What To Do If Your Foster Shows Symptoms
If your foster dog starts showing signs of a URI, it’s important to act quickly.
Schedule an appointment with our medical team through the Foster Scheduling App (Acuity).
Be as descriptive as possible when filling out the appointment notes: list all observed symptoms, when they started, and how they've progressed.
Whenever possible, upload photos or videos so our team can assess the situation even before the dog arrives. This helps us prepare the right treatment and support. Dogs can be like kids sometimes where they are showing symptoms at home and then are happy-go-lucky when they see their doctor. Digitally documenting what you are seeing at home, helps us develop the whole picture of what your foster pet is going through.
How Treatment Works
Once your foster is seen by our medical team, we’ll assess their condition and prescribe medication if needed, typically antibiotics for bacterial infections or supportive care for viral ones. You might also be given medication to relieve symptoms such as coughing or nasal congestion. Most dogs recover well with rest, hydration, and medication.
It’s crucial to follow all medication instructions exactly and finish the entire course, even if your foster starts feeling better partway through. This ensures the infection doesn’t linger or return.
Caring for a Sick Foster at Home
Once your foster dog has been seen by our medical team and has started treatment, the next few days are all about rest, recovery, and gentle care. Most upper respiratory infections follow a typical arc: symptoms may get a little worse before they get better. This can be alarming, especially if your foster seems more tired or coughs more than before but it’s normal. Medications take time to kick in, and your dog’s immune system is still working hard.
At home, your role is to create a calm, quiet space where your foster can rest comfortably. Avoid vigorous play or outings and let them settle in without pressure. Keep fresh water nearby and offer high-value, easy-to-digest food. If their appetite is low, try warming up some canned food or adding a bit of dog-safe broth to make meals more enticing. Eating, even a little, is a good sign that they’re on the mend.
Recovery isn’t always linear. One day they may seem perkier, the next more tired - that’s okay. With each passing day, you’ll likely notice their breathing ease, their energy return, and their eyes brighten. Full recovery may take 10 to 14 days, and sometimes a mild cough or bit of congestion lingers even after they’re feeling better.
To help prevent the spread of illness, keep your sick foster separated from your resident pets until they are fully recovered. Use separate food and water bowls and wash your hands after each interaction. You can even toss on a sweatshirt over your clothes when handling them, something you can remove and wash easily afterward. These small steps go a long way in keeping everyone healthy.
It’s hard to see a foster feeling unwell, especially when all you want is to make it better. But you’re doing more than you know. Your care, your calm, your quiet companionship helps them heal. And when they finally greet you with a tail wag and clear eyes again, you’ll know you were exactly what they needed.
When to Follow Up
If symptoms worsen at any point, you will need to schedule a follow-up appointment immediately through Acuity. These could indicate complications like pneumonia that require additional care. Examples:
Labored Breathing
Refuses to eat or drink
Becomes extremely lethargic
Persistent coughing fits
Even if your foster recovers without issue, schedule a follow-up appointment once they’ve completed all prescribed medications. This ensures your foster is fully cleared and ready to return to normal activities including adoption or transport.
Your Role is Lifesaving
URI symptoms can be frustrating and sometimes messy, but your quick action and care are often what turns the tide for a sick foster. By giving them a warm place to recover, watching for signs of illness, and getting them the treatment they need, you are literally saving lives — one snuggle, cough, or tail wag at a time.
If you ever have questions or feel unsure about a symptom, never hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
For questions, support, or more information, contact us at:
FWACCfoster@fortworthtexas.gov