Kennel cough in dogs

If your dog is hacking away or constantly making noises that make it sound like they are choking on something, they may have a case of kennel cough, or canine infectious tracheobronchitis. Although kennel cough can sound terrible, most of the time it is not a serious condition, và most dogs will recover without treatment.

Bạn đang xem: Kennel cough in dogs

What is Kennel Cough?

Just as human colds may be caused by many different viruses, kennel cough itself can have multiple causes. One of the most common culprits is a bacterium called Bordetella bronchiseptica m-- which is why kennel cough is often called Bordetella. Most dogs that become infected with Bordetella are infected with a virut at the same time. These viruses, which are known to lớn make dogs more susceptible khổng lồ contracting Bordetella infection, include canine adenovirus, canine distemper virus, canine herpes virus, parainfluenza virus và canine reovirus.

Dogs "catch" kennel cough when they inhale bacteria or virus particles into their respiratory tract. This tract is normally lined with a coating of mucus that traps infectious particles, but there are a number of factors that can weaken this protection & make dogs prone lớn kennel cough infection, which results in inflammation of the larynx (voice box) & trachea (windpipe).

These factors include:

Exposure khổng lồ crowded and/or poorly ventilated conditions, such as are found in many kennels và shelters Cold temperatures Exposure to lớn dust or cigarette smoke

 

Symptoms of Kennel Cough

The classic symptom of kennel cough is a persistent, forceful cough. It often sounds like a goose honk. This is distinct from a cough-like sound made by some dogs, especially little ones, which is called a reverse sneeze. Reverse sneezes can be normal in certain dogs và breeds, và usually only indicates the presence of post-nasal drip or a slight irritation of the throat.

Some dogs with kennel cough may show other symptoms of illness, including sneezing, a runny nose, or eye discharge.

If your dog has kennel cough, they probably will not thua trận their appetite or have a decreased energy level.

Treating và Preventing Kennel Cough

Kennel cough is contagious. If you think your dog might have the condition, you should keep them away from other animals and liên hệ your veterinarian.

Xem thêm: Days Of The Week Worksheets & Printables, Days Of The Week Worksheets

Continued

Although most cases of kennel cough will resolve without treatment, medications may tốc độ recovery or minimize symptoms during the course of infection. These include antibiotics that target Bordetella bacteria & cough medicines.

You may also find that keeping your dog in a well-humidified area và using a harness instead of a collar, especially for dogs that strain against a leash, will minimize the coughing.

Most dogs with kennel cough recover completely within three weeks, though it can take up to six weeks in older dogs or those with other medical conditions. Because serious, ongoing kennel cough infection can lead to lớn pneumonia, be sure khổng lồ follow up with your veterinarian if your dog doesn"t improve within the expected amount of time. Also, if your dog at any time has symptoms of rapid breathing, not eating, or listlessness, contact your vet right away, as these could be signs of more serious conditions.

There are three forms of vaccine for kennel cough: one that is injected, one that is delivered as a nasal mist, và one that can be given by mouth. Although these vaccines may help, they vày not guarantee protection against kennel cough or infectious tracheobronchitis because it can be caused by so many different kinds of bacteria & viruses. Also, it is important to lớn realize that neither size of the kennel cough vaccination will treat active infections.

The intranasal và oral kennel cough vaccinations are typically given khổng lồ dogs once a year, but sometimes are recommended every six months for dogs at high risk for kennel cough. These forms of the vaccine tend lớn provide dogs protection against kennel cough sooner than the injected product.

 

SOURCES:

Veterinary Information Network (Veterinarypartner.com): "Kennel Cough."

University of California-Davis, Koret Shelter Medicine Program: "Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis."