Canine Infectious tracheobronchitis is another name for Kennel cough. It’s a contagious respiratory ailment that affects dogs in large numbers. Bordetella bacteria and the canine parainfluenza virus, which both infect your dog’s respiratory tract and cause inflammation and irritation of the upper airways, are the most common causes of whooping cough. In most healthy dogs, this condition is not dangerous; nevertheless, in young, aged, or immunocompromised dogs, it can progress to more serious secondary infections.
Kennel cough gets its name from the disease’s extremely contagious nature, which enables it to spread quickly in settings where pets come into close contacts, such as kennels, dog parks, and dog houses. When dogs come into touch with droplets released by an infected dog’s cough, kennel cough is disseminated. Direct touch with an infected dog or contact with infected objects such as dog toys, bowls, cages, or blankets can cause infection.
Signs and symptoms of kennel cough:
The symptoms of kennel cough usually appear two to three days after your dog has been exposed to it. Symptoms, on the other hand, can take up to ten days to appear. Loud coughing or a rash is the most prevalent kennel cough symptom.
Runny nose, eye discharge, and sneezing are also frequent symptoms. Kennel cough can induce loss of appetite, lethargy, depression, and fever in more severe cases or if left untreated. Because the symptoms of kennel cough are similar to those of more serious infections like canine distemper and dog flu, it’s advisable to see your veterinarian as soon as you see them (canine influenza).
Because of the highly contagious nature of the disease, your veterinarian may recommend that your dog be isolated from other dogs and treated if he or she is otherwise healthy and showing moderate symptoms. You may be able to take a few days off while you check their symptoms. If your dog’s symptoms are more severe, your veterinarian may advise that you bring him in for an examination.
Treating kennel cough in dogs:
If your dog is suffering from more severe symptoms, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to help prevent secondary infections, or cough suppressants to assist relieve your dog’s persistent cough. Your veterinarian may advise that your dog take a break for a few weeks. To help your dog be more comfortable, steroids, cough suppressants, and anti-inflammatory medicines may be administered.
Kennel cough is relatively easy to treat in adult dogs who are otherwise healthy. Your veterinarian may determine that no medicine is required and that the best therapy for your dog is to let the infection run its course (like with a human cold).
When your dog has recovered, avoid using neck collars and instead choose for body horns when taking your dog on a walk. You’ll also want to keep your dog in a humid environment where he spends a lot of time since this can assist relieve his problems. Kennel cough usually clears itself in a week or two for most dogs. A follow-up veterinary appointment is required if your dog’s symptoms persist for an extended period of time. Kennel cough can lead to pneumonia in certain people.
Prevention of kennel cough in dogs:
Vaccines against the bacteria Bordetella and/or the canine parainfluenza virus are available, which are especially beneficial for dogs who often interact with other dogs.
There are three types of whooping cough vaccines: one that is injected, one that is administered through a nasal spray, and one that is administered orally. While these vaccines may be beneficial, they do not provide 100% protection against whooping cough or infectious tracheobronchitis, which can be caused by a number of germs and viruses. Furthermore, it is critical to remember that no kennel cough vaccine can treat active illnesses. Even after immunization, dogs might become sick with kennel cough, so you should be cautious, especially if your dog comes into touch with other dogs. If you feel your dog is becoming ill, take him to the veterinarian for an examination.
