Introduction to Kennel Cough in Dogs
Kennel Cough is a common infectious disease in dogs. It is caused by a range of viruses and bacteria, most commonly Bordetella bronchiseptica. Kennel cough is highly contagious among dogs, which means they can easily spread it to other dogs through contact or through the air. The signs of kennel cough are very similar to that of a human cold: coughing, gagging, sneezing, and retching up clear or white mucus. If left untreated, the infection could become more serious and lead to pneumonia or other illnesses.
In order to prevent Kennel Cough from spreading throughout your entire pack, it’s important to practice good hygiene and provide proper nutrition for your fur family members. Frequent vaccination against kennel cough can help protect them from the infections and make sure their immune system isn’t compromised further if an infection does occur. Keeping dogs away from areas where other animals may be infected can also help reduce the chances of contracting the virus. Additionally, providing adequate ventilation in any enclosed spaces such as dog runs or kennels can limit the spread of infectious particles since cold air has difficulty carrying them over long distances while warm humid air carries them much farther.
You should always consult your veterinarian if you suspect that your dog has contracted Kennel Cough since prompt treatment with antibiotics will greatly reduce the chance of further complications developing due to bacterial involvement in the infection. In more severe cases hospitalization may be needed so that oxygen therapy and intensive nursing care can be performed until recovery is complete.
Regular preventive measures such as vaccination also play a key role in limiting the prevalence of Kennel Cough as well as ensuring any potential viral or bacterial infections are contained before becoming an epidemic rather than waiting for it occur first before taking action. Early intervention with antifungal drugs or antibiotics may stop these organisms from reproducing which helps prevent a large-scale outbreak from occurring amongst our furry friends!
Causes of Kennel Cough in Dogs
Kennel cough, which is also called canine infectious respiratory disease, is an airway infection in dogs that can cause severe coughing, sneezing and gagging. Kennel cough has several underlying causes and many contributing factors that increase the chance of developing it. While it generally isn’t a serious concern for healthy dogs, puppies, older dogs and those with other health problems can have more severe symptoms. It’s an important problem to be aware of because it’s highly contagious and can spread within kennels and dog parks very quickly.
The primary cause of kennel cough is Bordetella bronchiseptica, a bacterium which lives in water droplets in the air. These bacteria interact with other viruses or microbes to cause the disease. Dogs at risk of respiratory infections are often exposed to them through their social contact: Kenneling together or playing at dog parks for instance. A weakened immune system due to age, poor nutrition or stress makes a pet more susceptible to the condition than healthy animals.
A further factor can be environmental surroundings; Poor ventilation systems or dirty bedding can foster the spread of the microorganisms causing kennel cough in confined spaces like shelters and boarding facilities. Vaccines are available that protect against Bordetella bronchiseptica but they are not 100% effective – some vaccinated animals may still contract kennel cough in certain situations where immunity has been lowered by exposure to high concentrations of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) such as paint fumes found in poorly-ventilated kennels – so even if your pet has had this particular vaccine make sure their environment is suitable!
Incorrectly administered immunizations can also contribute; If they’re given too early (or too late), they may not be able to provide proper protection from bacterial infection causing kennel cough; a situation which could require veterinary intervention if infected pets exhibit symptoms such as labored breathing or lack of appetite/energy level changes immediately after vaccination shots were given. In general when looking over vaccinations always ensure that vaccines are correctly administered to avoid cases from happening all together!
Symptoms of Kennel Cough in Dogs
Kennel cough, also known as infectious tracheobronchitis or canine nasal disease, is a contagious upper respiratory infection in dogs caused by various airborne allergens and viruses. Symptoms of kennel cough can range from mild to severe and may include a dry hacking or honking sound when the dog inhales, sneezing and wheezing, gagging or coughing spells that produce a retching sound, difficulty breathing due to narrowing of the trachea (they look like they’re ‘choking’ for air for a few seconds) , watery eyes, runny nose, lethargy and loss of appetite. If your pup has been recently exposed to other dogs at an animal hospital, boarding facility or dog park, be on the lookout for these signs which could signal that he’s suffering from this highly contagious respiratory illness.
To prevent kennel cough from spreading amongst dogs in close proximity within these settings it is important to practice proper hygiene techniques such as washing hands with soap before transitioning between pets and surfaces within animal facilities; isolating any new animals that may have been previously exposed; using approved anti-bacterial cleansers to disinfect cages in between uses; vaccinating all puppies against kennel cough prior to high risks exposures such facility visits. Furthermore creating preferred housing designations (e.g., size/age/temperament) can ensure healthy physical distance amongst four-legged communal members ultimately reducing the dissemination of airborne contaminants.
How to Treat Kennel Cough in Dogs Step by Step
Step 1: Get Your Dog Diagnosed by a Vet
The first and most important step when it comes to treating kennel cough in dogs is to get an accurate diagnosis from your veterinarian. In many cases, the kennel cough itself might be the only symptom that is present, but in some more serious cases accompanied with fever or lung inflammation, your vet may suggest additional examination and tests to determine the cause of this condition.
Step 2: Follow Veterinarian Recommendations Depending on the Cause
Depending on what your vet diagnoses as the source of kennel cough, they will recommend certain treatments that should help alleviate the symptoms and make them more comfortable. It could be medications such as antibiotics or antiviral drugs if the cause involves bacteria or a virus respectively. Other treatments like oxygen therapy may be recommended if there are lung complications due to an infection.
Step 3: Supportive Care While at Home
Besides following your vet’s instructions, you also can provide supportive care for your pup while at home. This includes making sure they get plenty of rest and providing them with chicken broth or canned food since dry food may aggravate their throat further. You must also avoid any situations where they could contract another infection, like taking them along on hikes or other trips outdoors with other pooches.
Step 4: Minimize Exposure to Other Animals Until The Symptoms Subside
In order to prevent spreading of kennel cough to other animals (who don’t necessarily have to even live within close quarters), you should keep your affected dog separated from any pets you might have until their symptoms have subsided substantially — usually two weeks are enough for full recovery upon treatment start although this varies from case-by-case basis depending on severity. Afterward makes sure you disinfect every area touched by them prior as well maintain strict hygiene protocols involving hands/clothes washing after contact as precautionary measure against potential relapseencountered by escaping particles brought forth by coughing episodes that would still be present after complete recovery process has been achieved..
Frequently Asked Questions about Kennel Cough in Dogs
Kennel cough is a common condition in dogs that causes a persistent, harsh-sounding cough. It’s caused by an infection of the upper respiratory tract, usually by either the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria or one of several strains of canine parainfluenza virus. Though it can be uncomfortable for your pup, kennel cough is not typically dangerous and can be easily treated with medication from your veterinarian.
If you’re concerned about kennel cough in your pet, here are some questions you may have:
Q: What are the signs and symptoms of kennel cough?
A: Coughing is the most common symptom associated with kennel cough; this may develop after contact with other dogs who have been carrying similar pathogens. Other signs include gagging/retching noises during coughing episodes, watery eyes, sneezing/nasal discharge, loss of appetite and fever.
Q: How is kennel cough spread?
A: Kennel cough is very contagious among dogs and can be spread through direct contact with like any other infectious disease. It can also travel through water droplets in the air if an infected dog gets too close to another dog susceptible to the viruses or bacteria causing the condition.
Q: Can humans get kennel cough?
A: Fortunately for humans, our bodies don’t provide a hospitable environment for kennel cough viruses or bacteria so it cannot directly affect us – though we’re still at risk from indirect transmission from an infected dog onto ourselves (i.e., if we touch our face after petting a sick puppy).
Q: What treatment options are available for my dog?
A: Generally speaking, most cases of kennel cough resolve themselves without medical attention; however there are still treatments available to help ease symptoms while they last. Clavamox® (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid) has been found to help reduce inflammation related to certain types of bordetellosis and antibiotics such as doxycycline may be prescribed if bacterial agents seem likely culprits; these should always be given under veterinary advice only! Natural remedies combined with rest – such as increased humidity in your home and honey added to their food – can also provide relief from coughing alongside OTC medications designed specifically for common colds in animals (like Corid™).
Top 5 Facts about Kennel Cough in Dogs
Kennel cough is an infectious respiratory ailment that is highly contagious among dogs, and is particularly common in those who have been housed in kennels for extended periods of time. Here are five facts about kennel cough you should be aware of:
1. Kennel cough is caused by a variety of different pathogens, including the canine adenovirus, canine parainfluenza virus, Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria and severalMycoplasma species. All of these can act together to cause the coughing symptoms associated with kennel cough.
2. Dogs at high risk for catching kennel include those with weak immune systems (or puppies who haven’t been vaccinated yet) as well as those housed in crowded conditions such as a boarding facility or animal shelter. It can also spread quickly if there are dogs traveling together and sharing beds or water bowls during transport.
3. Cytologic evaluation (a micoscopic examination) of nasal secretions collected from a dog with suspected kennel cough reveals inflammatory cells from the pathogens mentioned above in most cases; this procedure can therefore help guide treatment decisions for infected dogs.
4 . Signs of kennel cough includes an intense “honking” cough that can last for up to three weeks if left untreated. Other symptoms may include sneezing, a runny or congested nose and eyes and loss of appetite fever depending on severityviscious cycle could occur if the condition isn’t treated right away so early intervention is key!
Get your dog examined by a vet to get precise diagnosis and treatment instructions before they worsen. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed depending on your pet‘s specific needs; rest at home along with avoiding strenuous exercise is always recommended until better health returns .
5 . Vaccination against canine Influenza virus (CIV), which is one strain that often triggers kennel cough, may help prevent chronic coughing episodes brought about by secondary infections since current vaccines offer variable protection against Bordetella bronchiseptica but no reliable protection against viruses involved in causing the infection . Talk to your veterinary provider to determine if CIV vaccination makes sense for your pet based on their age, breed and lifestyle .
