What Is Kennel Cough and What Are the Best Treatments?
If you’ve ever scheduled a stay for your dog at a boarding facility, you may have been required to provide proof of kennel cough vaccination. And that inquiry, which implies that your dog is at risk of disease, may have prompted you to reconsider your travel plans.
Before you cancel any plans to avoid boarding your dog, understand more about kennel cough and get your pet vaccinated against it.
What does kennel cough mean?
The term “kennel cough” refers to a highly contagious and prevalent respiratory ailment in dogs. It typically spreads in kennels, boarding facilities, and shelters where a large number of dogs are housed in close proximity to one another.
The hallmark symptom of kennel cough in dogs is an obvious, dry cough that hacks or honks, hence the name. The sickness can be caused by a variety of viruses and bacteria. However, all of the different kinds of illnesses are referred to as “kennel cough” since they all have similar symptoms.
Symptoms For Kennel Cough
The most characteristic sign of kennel cough is a hacking, loud cough, or retch. Other typical signs of kennel cough include:
· Runny nose
· Discharge from the eyes
· Sneezing
If left untreated or in more severe cases, kennel cough can result in:
· Reduced desire to eat
· Sluggishness
· Fever of Depression
In the event that your dog gets kennel cough, symptoms should start to show up two to three days following exposure. Still, symptoms may not appear for up to 14 days.
Kennel Cough Causes
The following are the principal bacteria and viruses that can either cause or aggravate kennel cough:
Kennel cough is most commonly caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica. The upper respiratory tract of your dog becomes inflamed as a result of this infection.
One of the most frequent viruses that cause kennel cough is canine parainfluenza, or CPIV. Although the symptoms have similarities to canine influenza, the viruses are distinct and necessitate distinct vaccination regimens.
The respiratory illness known as canine adenovirus 2, or CAV-2, is typically transmitted from dog to dog via coughing.
Dogs can contract canine distemper from one another via shared food and water bowls or through the air. Additionally, a mother might pass it on to her puppies.
How do you treat kennel cough
Kennel cough usually clears up on its own and doesn’t need to be treated. Nonetheless, your dog’s doctor may suggest taking some medicine to help control the symptoms of kennel cough. Among them could be cough suppressants.
A majority of vets in El Paso might also advise starting an antibiotic course, depending on how serious the infection is. The germs that produce a particular kind of kennel cough, which can result in pneumonia or other issues, can be killed by antibiotics.
Don’t treat your dog’s infection with human medications. This covers over-the-counter medications for human cough, medications for colds, and homemade treatments for kennel cough.
Nonetheless, there are a few things you can do to provide your dog with extra comfort as they heal:
· For walking, use a harness instead of a collar and lead. The windpipe will become less irritated as a result.
· Give your dog a warm, cozy place to relax.
· Use a humidifier to assist in hydrating your dog’s respiratory system.
· Use a warm, moist towel to clean your dog’s eyes and nose of any discharge.
· Make sure the space where your dog is is clean and well-ventilated.
· To prevent the sickness from spreading, keep your dog isolated from other dogs.
When recovering from kennel cough, dogs should not be around other dogs for two weeks following the end of their symptoms. To stop reinfection, you should also completely sanitize all the objects and surfaces they come into touch with.
The Conclusion
If you have questions like what is kennel cough for dogs and want the best treatment for your dog, consult an expert at Eastwood Animal clinic, a leading El Paso animal hospital. From pet boarding in El Paso to Spay neuter in El Paso, choose from a wide range of services.
Disclaimer- The information provided in this content is just for educational purposes and is written by a professional writer. Consult us to read more about dog coughing Kennel cough.
