Kennel Cough

After all, there’s no where else for our four-legged friends to turn to in times of infirmity. So when your faithful family hound catches kennel cough, you may find yourself swimming in strange waters. Guarding against and treating canine respiratory infections is a part of every dog lover’s life, and having the right information will see you both through this trying time.

Also known as canine tracheobronchitis, kennel cough refers to a highly contagious class of viral and bacterial ailments which spreads rapidly among Dogs in close quarters, such as in a pet store or veterinarian. Both viral and bacterial agents play a role in the complex, much as in human bronchitis, making the syndrome difficult to diagnose.

Therefore, if you feel your companion is showing symptoms, consult your veterinarian by telephone rather than visiting the office, as this could not only expose your pet’s weakened immune system to further infection, it might bring the epidemic to the other Dogs in the waiting room.

The best protection against kennel cough is prevention. A series of vaccines have been developed to guard against the various microorganisms responsible for the disturbing spates of coughing and choking, including the parainfluenza virus and Bordetella.

Once kennel cough has been contracted, the treatment course is much as it is for humans with similar infections. Antibiotics are prescribed if bacterial causes are determined, as well as a week or so of naptime in a freshly scrubbed room away from other Dogs.

Viral infections generally ease in that time if no additional infection occurs. Untreated cases may degenerate into pneumonia, so it is important to keep the environment as free of contaminants as possible.

Nearly all Dogs will come down with kennel cough at some point in their lives. Fortunately, with awareness, treatment, and love, recovery can be quick, and you and your pet can move on with life as usual.

Kennel Cough is one of the leading causes of death in Dogs. Kennel cough goes by the scientific name tracheobronchitis. It's a very contagious upper respiratory illness that can quickly move through a kennel. It's a deadly illness that can be difficult to treat, if not dealt with early.

Kennel Cough is spread from dog to dog by coughing and sneezing. In a closed and close environment like a kennel, this disease can spread very rapidly. Kennel cough comes in both bacterial and viral versions, depending on the underlying infection. Kennel cough is high contagious. In fact, even several weeks after symptoms have subsided, a dog may still be contagious. Kennel cough symptoms usually begin within a few days to less than a week after exposure to the contagion.

Viral kennel cough can be prevented by ensuring that your dog's immunizations are up to date. The viral version can be deadly in extreme cases and is one of the biggest reason why it's so important for your dog to keep his immunizations up to date. The alternative is not acceptable to any dog lover.

Bacterial kennel cough can be treated with antibiotics. As long as antibiotics are started early then the prognosis is good. To help calm a cough that can be irritating for your dog, your vet may prescribe a cough suppressant to keep the cough from getting out of hand.

Dogs are man's best friend. A family dog is always considered a member of the family. It's important to learn more about your dog's health issues. Knowledge is power and knowledge of the illnesses that could affect your dog means that you can take the precautions needed to keep your dog healthy.

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