Dog Kennel Cough

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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.

One of the first warning signs of kennel cough in dogs is a rough and dry, hacking cough that will show up with in a week of the dog having the initial infection. The damage is done through the bacteria and/ or viruses damaging the lining of the windpipe and bronchi, which exposes the nerve endings. The cough is caused when the dog breathes in and out and air is exposed to the endings of the nerves which irritates them.

Most cases of dog kennel cough are mild and do not change the dog’s overall health or physical condition. The cough though can be irritating to the dog as it is persistent and the dog will cough every few minutes throughout the day. The use of antibiotics can be used to quicken the healing process but in the majority of cases most dogs will recover without it. Kennel cough can last up to three weeks

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.