Open Site - Recreation: Pets: Dogs: Dog Health: Kennel Cough

Top: Recreation: Pets: Dogs: Dog Health: Kennel Cough

[ history ]

Overview

Like humans pets can also develop respiratory illnesses. Kennel cough is common amongst dogs and is the animal strain of infectious bronchitis. This contagious disease affects dogs of any age and affects the dog's respiratory system. The disease is a mixture of bacteria and viruses. It is known as kennel cough because it is so easily spread from animal to animal as a "droplet infection" wherever you find large numbers of dogs i.e. kennels.

[ history ]

Symptoms

Similar to the human strain of this disease, Kennel cough affects the dog's ability to breath free and easy. Lasting a number of weeks it develops a dry, harsh, chesty cough. Often it is such a bad cough that it can be confused with the same sound a dog would make if he or she were choking.

The cough can also be so severe that it can affect your pet's ability to sleep well at night. Like humans this leaves your dog lethargic and lifeless. This in turn can affect your dog's appetite & you may need to tempt it with some high vitamin treats to make sure it does not suffer. You should also encourage your dog to drink plenty of fresh water.

This can then develop into a flu type illness and your pet my start to experience high temperatures. This should be monitored and the need for fresh water becomes even more vital.

[ history ]

Treatment

There are no real treatments that you can give your dog once it has developed this illness. Plenty of rest and drinking water are the best course of action. If the illness continues then the vet may prescribe a course of antibiotics. The illness usually lasts for a period of around 3-4 weeks but bear in mind that your dog is contagious for at least 3 months afterwards.

[ history ]

Prevention

Although kennel cough is easily spread, this is usually down to lack of prevention on the owners part. This disease can easily be avoided. A vaccine (which is administered by being squirted up the canine's nose) will stop your dog from picking up this disease. You will find that many of the more conscientious dog kennels will insist that your dog is treated with this vaccine before they will consider taking them on as a boarder. This is a good sign as it means that they have the health of your dog at the forefront of their mind.

[ history ]

based

1. Information based on - http://www.dogkennelcough.net/