What is Kennel Cough?
It’s that time of year again when the days are short, the temperatures are cold, and dogs are prone to kennel cough. Kennel cough is an infectious respiratory condition, where the dog’s trachea. larynx, and bronchial tubes are inflamed, similar to the common cold in humans. Also, just like the common cold, it can be caused by multiple types of bacteria and viruses. It is spread from dog to dog at places where dogs congregate, including boarding and daycare facilities, dog parks, training groups, and shelters. While the dog’s cough might sound horrible, it is usually not a serious condition for healthy dogs, and most recover without treatment.
What are the Symptoms of Kennel Cough?
The most obvious symptom of kennel cough is the persistent, dry cough that some describe as sounding like a goose honk. Other symptoms may include: runny nose, sneezing, lethargy, loss of appetite, low fever.
How is Kennel Cough Treated?
Typically, mild cases of kennel cough resolve with a week or two of rest and proper hydration and nutrition, but a veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to prevent a secondary infection and cough medication to ease the symptoms. Because it is contagious, dogs with kennel cough should be kept away from other dogs as much as possible to prevent spreading it.
Can Kennel Cough be Prevented?
One of the most common causes of kennel cough is the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria. Any dog who potentially comes into contact with other dogs should be vaccinated against Bordetella bronchiseptica ,and in fact, this is a requirement for all dogs who are boarded or participate in daycare at Hereford Bed & Biscuit. Although most cases of kennel cough are caused by bordetella, some are caused by other agents, so the vaccine may not prevent your dog from catching the disease.
CONTACT YOUR VET IF YOU THINK YOUR DOG MAY HAVE KENNEL COUGH.
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