Kennel Cough

Kennel Cough

Information on Kennel Cough

Kennel cough (canine infectious tracheobronchitis) is a disease that affects the trachea lining, thereby causing minor irritation. A dog with this disease coughs frequently, usually every few minutes and all throughout the day. Although kennel cough is one of the most common infectious diseases among dogs, most cases of kennel cough are minor. Kennel cough tends to disappear on its own after a week or two. An airborne virus or bacteria is what causes kennel cough, the most common of which is a bacteria known as bordatella bronchiseptica.

The term "Kennel Cough" is the common name used for Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis. This grand title relates to the prime sign - coughing localized to the trachea (wind pipe) and bronchi (within the lungs). It is also known as Bordetellosis, or Bordetella. Kennel Cough a worldwide upper respiratory disease caused by several different viruses and bacteria. A high percentage of dogs contract Kennel Cough during their lifetime. In the majority of cases the disease is not serious in itself but it can lead to some dogs developing life- threatening complications.

The most common factor of canine bordetellosis is the presence of the bacterium known as bordetella bronchispetica, though conditions such as parainfluenza, canine adenovirus and the canine herpes virus may also contribute. In most cases, the kennel cough is multifaceted and involves a mixture of virus and bacterium though, fortunately, the condition is easy to diagnose. Roughly one week after exposure, the symptoms of kennel cough usually begin to appear in those who are infected. If caught soon enough, canine bordetellosis is fairly easy to treat.

All dogs are at risk if they are in close contact with other dogs. With a high morbidity rate, clinical signs of kennel cough can be more severe in puppies, older dogs or debilitated individuals, including fatal bronchopneumonia. Any dog which comes into contact with other dogs is at risk. The disease is also not restricted to dogs, other species can become infected.

Your dog is coughing, sounding like it has something caught in its throat. This upper respiratory infection is essentially a “dog cold.” Coughing in spurts your dog rests and then coughs again. Yes, Kennel Cough is often worse at night + laying down. If your pet keeps coughing up food or phlegm and becomes listless, this is the time to see the vet. Otherwise you can manage Kennel Cough Treatment simply and safely at home.

Canines often contract this bug after a stay in a kennel-hence, the name-where they come into close contact with other dogs who may be carrying the virus. Nowadays, most kennels won't let your pet board without proof of a bordatella vaccination, but your dog can get it if he comes into contact with any other infected animal. This might happen at a dog run, for example, or even while greeting another canine on the street.

The symptoms of kennel cough are very noticeable - mainly a dry, hacking cough, where the dog will hang his head, quite often making choking and retching sounds from his throat. This cough is brought about by an inflammation of the trachea, or windpipe, and the bronchi inside your dog’s lungs. Sometimes, the intensity of these coughing fits can be so intense that it will cause nausea and vomiting.

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How Long Does It Take for Dogs To Get Over Kennel Cough?

I just purchases a Japanese Chin puppy. He is 12 weeks old and has kennel cough, I have had him for about 5 days. How long does it usually take for a puppy to get over kennel cough?

(Quoted)
How is it Treated?

Although most cases will go away on their own, we like to think we can hasten recovery with antibiotics to directly kill the Bordetella organism. Alternatively, kennel cough may be treated with cough suppressants to provide comfort during natural recovery. Or antibiotics and cough suppressants can be combined.

When Is it a Serious Condition?

In very young puppies, especially those with a recent shipping history (i.e., pet store puppies) are especially prone to severe cases of infectious tracheobronchitis (frequently progressing to pneumonia).

In dogs where the distemper virus is involved (usually shelter or pet store puppies), there is tremendous potential for serious consequences.

Vaccination Options

There are basically two options for Kennel cough vaccination: injectable and intranasal.

Injectable is a good choice for aggressive dogs, who may bite if their muzzle is approached. It provides good systemic immunity as long as two doses are given after age 4 months (with an annual booster). Injectable vaccination may only lead to less severe infection and not complete prevention.

Intranasal vaccination may be given as early as 2 weeks of age and immunity generally lasts 10 to 12 months. (Usually this vaccine is boosted annually.) The advantage here is that the local immunity is stimulated, right at the site where the natural infection would be trying to take hold.

It takes 4 days to generate a solid immune response after intranasal vaccination so it is best if vaccination is given at least 4 days prior to the exposure. Some dogs will have some sneezing or nasal discharge in the week following intranasal vaccination. As a general rule, nasal vaccination provides faster immunity than injectable vaccination.

Parainfluenza, Adenovirus type 2, and canine distemper, all members of the Kennel Cough complex, are all covered by the standard DHLPP vaccine, the basic vaccine for dogs. Adenovirus Type 2 serum also immunizes against Adenovirus Type 1, the agent of infectious canine hepatitis.

VACCINATION IS NOT USEFUL IN A DOG ALREADY INCUBATING KENNEL COUGH
What if it Doesn't Improve?

As previously noted, this infection is generally self-limiting. It should be at least improved partially after one week of treatment. If no improvement has been observed in this time, a re-check exam (possibly including radiographs of the chest) would be a good idea.

Chai Kennel Cough.avi

 

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Kennel Cough

Tagged with: canine • cough • dog • flu, • kennel • kennel cough • kennel cough home remedy • kennel cough in dogs • kennel cough symptoms • kennel cough treatment

Filed under: Feline Arthritis

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