Kennel Cough Guide
What is Kennel Cough?
Dogs develop coughs too. Coughing in dogs is referred to as kennel cough and it can be a highly
infectious disease. However, it is rarely serious when it strikes. Just the same, pet owners are
advised to give their dogs the right amount of care and attention that they deserve whenever they
are sick.
Kennel cough may give rise to a more serious health concern if not treated early on.
Kennel cough in dogs can be likened to a mild case of influenza in humans. Like influenza, the disease
is also caused by a mixture of viruses and bacteria. It is a type of infection that affects the
upper respiratory tract of dogs. Other household pets like cats, rabbits, and birds may develop
a similar disease.
Coughs can be transferred across breeds and classes so be very careful with associating your pets
when one of them is diagnosed with the disease.
More often than not, kennel cough is merely a symptom of another, much worse disease that
your pet is suffering from.Kennel cough may be a result of underlying health concerns such
as heart disease, periodontal disease, heartworm, parasites, throat growths, pneumonia, irritations,
and allergies.
However, it is quite funny to note that some people think that kennel cough is a type of cough obtained
by dogs if they live in a kennel. While dogs living in the same area may acquire the disease through
association, a dog doesn't have to be inside a kennel to develop this particular type of disease.
Dogs suffering from kennel cough can be heard hacking persistently. It can be so bad at times that you might think that your dog will throw up everything it has eaten for its last meal. If you think that your dog is suffering from this disease, make sure that you take it to the veterinarian as soon as possible to keep it from suffering any longer.
Veterinarians may require inoculations or intranasal vaccines to be performed or given to your
infected dog. There are also certain protective measures that you have to follow so that your dog's
condition won't exacerbate. If your dog is very prone to developing kennel cough, you have to add
a certain level of protection to your pet as you let it play in the park, walk it outside, or take
it with you on your travels.
Kennel cough is considered a respiratory infection. In certain instances, antibiotics may be used
as an aid to the problem. However, the choice of drugs is very crucial. Since the condition is caused
by both bacteria and viruses, a double-acting antibiotic is required. Otherwise, you might to give
your dog two types of oral medications, one to handle bacteria like penicillin and another to address
the virus.
There are both natural remedies and chemically prepared formulations available today to help provide
relief to pets with kennel cough. However, prevention is still the best route to take. At the first
signs of illness, take your dog to the veterinarian for proper diagnosis. By doing so, the symptoms
of the disease will be handled accordingly and your dog will be healthier.