Canine cough or Kennel Cough is actually bronchitis, characterized by a harsh, hacking cough. The disease is highly contagious, transmitted by air and wind currents contaminated by cough and sneeze droplets from infected canines. Kennel cough is actually a complex of infections, chief of which is Bordetella Bronchiseptice.
Bordetella is able to render the normal respiratory tracts safeguards against infections inoperable. It disables the immune cells that normally destroy bacteria. The incubation period is 2-14 days and is characterized by a non-productive hacking cough, and more complicated cases involve a greenish eye and nasal discharge, obvious breathing difficulties, and possibly pneumonia if left untreated.
Diagnosis is usually based on the clinical signs already given, wit possible x-rays to determine the extent of lung and airway restriction and a bacterial culture may be required in extreme cases to determine what other viruses, if any, are present before treatment can begin.
Treatment consists of an antibiotic therapy and cough suppressants if the coughing remains non-productive, as coughing can persist for up to three weeks after treatment with antibiotics. Injectable and intranasal vaccinations are available, with the intranasal being more effective, since it is applied directly to the respiratory system. It usually takes 4 days to generate an immune response after the intranasal vaccination, and vaccination is not useful in a dog that already has kennel cough.
In general, kennel cough is self-limiting and is only serious for very young puppies, especially if they have never been vaccinated and senior dogs that may have a weak immune system or already poor health. Annual vaccinations are the best prevention of this disease, but due to the many organisms involved, it may not give 100% protection. When in doubt always consult your Veterinarian as soon as possible.
Always remember, if you have any questions about your dogs health, be sure to consult your veterinarian.
Symptoms Of Kennel Cough
Dogs suffering from kennel cough need medical care and attention. Kennel cough could get worse any minute. Furthermore, it can just be a symptom of a much severe disease lurking inside your dog.
You know that your dog has kennel cough if it makes hacking cough sounds every now and then. There may or may not be white to yellow mucus forming in its nose. Some people mistake kennel cough for retching. However, kennel cough tends to occur chronically. Besides, your dog would look ill if it has kennel cough. It may even develop fever because of the disease.
The moment you discover that you dog has kennel cough, you have to take it to the veterinarian. To treat kennel cough, the viruses and bacteria that are causing the disease should be eliminated. The most effective way is to do so is to use antibiotics and similar oral medical treatments. Depending on the severity of your pet's condition, the vet may administer intranasal vaccines or inoculations. These modes of treatment can provide dogs with an almost immediate relief to kennel cough.
Dogs that are very prone to acquiring kennel cough are better off taking continued natural medications. Natural medications may come in the form of tinctures, oils, herbs, and teas. The preparation is similar to humans and you've got to administer it to your pet to improve its defenses against the disease. Tinctures should be added to water. With the use of a medicine dropper, give your dog several drops of natural herbs such as wild cherry bark, yerba santa, peppermint, or honey.
Kennel cough is a very common disease. Dogs tend to suffer from it at least once in their lifetime. However, it can easily be prevented. Keeping your dog healthy and strong is the first step. Also, you shouldn't let your pet stray away too much because kennel cough is a highly contagious disease. Mere association with other dogs suffering from it may cause your dog to acquire the disease. Direct contact is not necessary for kennel cough to be transmitted from one dog to another. Furthermore, such a cough may be transferred from cats, birds, or rabbits. The carrier of the disease doesn't have to be another dog.
Keep your pet safe from kennel cough by boosting its immune system. Don't skip regular checkups with the vet either. There are also kennel cough vaccinations for puppies available these days. If you really want your dog to be cleared from this disease, give it the shots that it needs.
Dogs, whenever they are sick, demand care and attention from their masters. They are not too different from humans that need companionship if they are ill. As such, you should do what it takes to restore the good health of your dog. If your dog is well and lively, it will be in its usual joyful self, which can brighten up even your gloomiest day.
Both Randy Jones & Florin Albu are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Randy Jones has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pets, Dogs and Pets. Randy Jones and his partner Brent Jones have been in the pet industry for a long time. Recently they formed Joncopets.com. On the site, customers can shop for the latest
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