If you plan to take your dog to a kennel, make sure you get him or her vaccinated for kennel cough, which is a highly contagious respiratory disease also known as tracheobronchitis.
The disease is very easily transmitted to dogs that come in close proximity to other canines that are infected with kennel cough. Kennels and boarding situations are ideal host spots for the disease to be passed on to other dogs. Be sure to choose a reputable kennel. Your dog’s veterinarian is a good source of information.
Kennel cough can be caused by both viral and bacterial infections. When infected dogs cough and sneeze, the disease is easily spread through the air. Kennel cough can also be spread by direct contact and from contaminated surfaces such as sidewalks, the ground, food dishes and toys. The disease can still be highly contagious weeks after symptoms disappear.
Symptoms usually show up about three to ten days after a dog has been exposed to an infected canine. Kennel cough is rarely life-threatening, but if left untreated, the disease can turn into pneumonia. Dogs that are infected with kennel cough should be quarantined within the home and should not be allowed contact with any other canines.
If your dog becomes infected with kennel cough, seek medical attention right away. If you know where your dog contacted the disease, report it to the kennel and to animal welfare officers if there is such a thing in your area.
Kennel cough symptoms can include sneezing, snorting and a harsh, dry hacking cough. When coughing, the dog can sound like he or she has something stuck in the throat. If gagging or vomiting occurs when the dog becomes excited or when you gently press on his or her trachea, it is possible that the underlying cause is kennel cough. Some dogs will experience fever with kennel cough. Others do not.
Symptoms of the disease can last up to twenty days. The disease can reoccur when a dog’s immune system is stressed.
Because kennel cough tends to make the trachea quite sensitive, you may have to remove the dog’s collar so as to not apply excessive pressure on the trachea. Avoid putting your dog in a situation that will have him or her tugging on their leash because this will further irritate an already sensitive trachea.
Most of the kennel cough treatments include using cough suppressants, which help soothe the dog’s cough. Antibiotics are prescribed if a bacterial infection is diagnosed.
Prevention is the best means of controlling kennel cough. Kennel operators should require proof of vaccinations for every dog they board. A dog should have vaccinations for canine distemper, parainfluenza, adenovirus and bordetella before being boarded.
Kennel cages should frequently be disinfected, especially when a new dog moves into one that has already been occupied.
Dogs that are not boarded outside the home may never need a vaccination to protect them against kennel cough. Dogs that do not interact with other canines in places such as dog parks and busy city parks probably will not have to receive kennel cough vaccinations. If in doubt, discuss the issue with the dog’s veterinarian.
Related posts:
- American Kennel Club History
- Choosing a Reputable Dog Kennel
- Canine Bordetella
- Canine Flu
- Canine Parainfluenza
