Learning More About Kennel Cough

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Dog kennel cough is also known as canine cough, infestious tracheobronchitis and bordetellosis. A dog’s windpipe and upper bronchi become damaged and irritated as a result of an infectious microorganism. Dog kennel cough has been found to be caused by both a bacteria and/or a virus.

What is Kennel Cough

A dry, hacking cough that lasts appears within a week of initial infection is the main symptom of kennel cough. This is caused by the bacteria or viruses that line the windpipe and bronchi in the dog. This exposes the nerve endings. These are irritated when the dog breathes, due to the air passing over them. This is what results in the persistent cough.

Severity And Duration Of The Disease

The majority of dog kennel cough cases tend to be mild and aren’t detrimental to the dog’s overall well being. Typically it does not present a fever or cause loss of appetite; however the cough presents itself throughout the day with the dog coughing every few minutes. Most cases will clear within one to three weeks without using medication, though antibiotics can often speed the healing process.

How is the Disease of Kennel Cough Transmitted

Dog kennel cough transmits much like the human cold. The germs that cause kennel cough is carried in the air and inhaled in the air by other dogs. This causes the infection. This is common especially in dogs that are susceptible to the microbes. Even though any dog anywhere can be affected by this disease, it is common when there are multiple dogs infected in a kennel.

How to Treat Kennel Cough

The veterinarian usually prescribes cough-suppressing drugs for the relieving the annoying cough that characterizes the disease. While most of the dogs recover from kennel cough without medication, antibiotics may be prescribed occasionally to assist in recovering from the infection.

The symptoms of kennel cough are similar to other respiratory diseases. It is important to have the dog examined by a vet when these symptoms are shown. Some dogs have a small chance of getting kennel cough if they are not normally in contact with other dogs. There are vaccines that will prevent kennel cough. In the event that the dog will be in contact with other dogs, it is advised that the vaccine be administered at least a few weeks before the event.