What is Kennel Cough

Both of the causes viral and bacterial of canine kennel cough are dispersed through the air by contaminated animals sneezing and coughing, which expels tiny infected droplets into the air for other dogs to inhale. Kennel cough is as well dispersed by physical contact with infected surfaces and direct contact with the infected dog. It's extremely communicable, and stays infectious for weeks after the dogs symptoms go away. Kennel cough symptoms commence normally three to five days after the initial exposure to the infectious agent. Kennel cough can in some cases result in pneumonia.

Symptoms of Kennel Cough

Symptoms of kennel cough are a harsh, dry cough, sneezing, gagging, vomiting, and snorting in reaction to pressure being put on the trachea or subsequent to agitation or physical exercise. In some cases a fever can be present but this is not always the case. The disease normally lasts up to ten to twenty days and can break out again if the canine is in a stressful position which results in above average stress on the immune system. Diagnosis og this disease is done by discovering these symptoms in the animal in question, having a record of possible contact and exposure can be very helpful however because kennel cough can be spread through contact with infected surfaces like the ground, toys, sidewalks, dog parks.

How to Treat and Prevent kennel Cough

Antibiotic drugs are used to address any bacterial infection that the dog might have. Coughing suppressant medications are given to the dog if the coughing isn't a productive cough, in the sense that it is not bringing up any mucos or flem. Generally the prognosis for this illness is very good. kennel cough prevention is achieved by vaccinating the dog for several viruses such as canine adenovirus, distemper, parainfluenza, and Bordetella. In dog kennel environments the most beneficial prevention is to maintain clean, disinfected cages. Any good kennel will refuse take dogs until they have proof of vaccination against the above mentioned viruses.