Is Kennel Cough contagious?
We have noticed an increase in the number of dogs coughing over recent weeks. The reason for this is infectious canine cough or infectious canine lung disease. This upper respiratory infection is highly contagious in dogs. It can spread the same way as the flu or human cold. These diseases can quickly spread even though dogs aren’t showing any symptoms.
What causes Kennel Cough?
It was also known as “kennel cough” in years past. Because it could easily spread from kennels to dogs, it was initially called “kennel cough”. We now know that it doesn’t just occur in kennels. It can be spread by dogs sharing outdoor spaces or going on walks in the same areas.
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Tracheobronchitis refers to the location of the infection within the treachea, windpipe, and bronchial tubes. This cough can be caused by several viruses and bacteria, and sometimes more than one.
Adenovirus type 2 and parainfluenza virus are the most prevalent. There are also recent signs that at least three to four additional viruses may be contributing to canine pneumonia. There are many symptoms.
Mild cases can lead to a persistent cough that lasts several weeks. A severe “goose-honk” type cough is the most common symptom. Other symptoms include runny eyes, a dry nose, increased sneezing, and lethargy.
How do you treat Kennel Cough?
The virus component is not treatable and usually disappears in one to three days. When bordetella is involved antibiotics can be very useful in treating the infection. The symptoms may be eased by cough suppressants.
Most symptoms of bordetella can be treated with antibiotics within 7-10 days. Vaccination is the best way to prevent infectious canine cough. The vaccination only protects against a small number of infectious agents. It is possible for a vaccinated pet to get a cough. The symptoms are usually not as severe.
Many bordetella vaccines can now be administered intra-nasal, orally. These vaccines provide faster protection from infection and excellent local immunity, particularly in the throat and trachea, where the disease agents first attack.
Make sure your dog is properly vaccinated against canine cough if they spend time outside, in dog parks, in daycares, or in kennels.
