Dog Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is a condition in which a dog’s windpipe and upper bronchi are irritated and damaged by infectious microorganisms. Kennel cough can be caused by both bacteria and virus. Dog kennel cough is named variously like canine cough, infectious tracheobronchitis and bordetellosis
Coughing is also a common issue among people, young or old. But when it comes to dogs, it is called kennel cough. This is a common problem in the world of dog health, but why the name? The name itself originated from how dogs in the same kennel can quickly acquire an infection. When this happens, inflammation on the upper respiratory system occurs to the dogs. As for other dogs inside the kennel, they also can easily catch the same virus and bacteria simply through the airborne droplets from the initially infected dog.
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.
Like colds in human’s dog kennel cough can be transmitted. Because the germ is carried through the air and can be inhaled by other dogs it can cause infections in other dogs, especially if the other dog is susceptible to the microbes. If the dog is sharing a kennel then the disease can be spread very quickly amongst the other dogs (hence the name kennel cough). But it can be acquired anytime and anywhere from an infected dog.
Doing precautionary measures for your dog’s health, even before an infection starts to develop or symptoms to occur, is worth it to save you, the dog owner, from experiencing all the hassle and trouble that might result when your precious dog would be infected and experience kennel cough.
Leave a Reply