Kennel Cough (Contagious Tracheobronchitis of dogs)
Kennel cough results in infection of the upper airways due to viruses and bacteria. Kennel cough is very infectious and spreads rapidly,many of the transmission are in veterinary hospitals, dog kennels(which gives the cough its name), or even parks and areas where many dogs would be in contact with each other. Environment stress from moving and adapting to a new environment will also make your dog more vulnerable to the virus. Left untreated in young puppies, older dogs, and dogs that have already contracted other illnesses, kennel cough can develop to a more serious and even life threatening form of the virus.
Symptom of Dog Kennel Cough
Common symptoms include:
* dry coughing
* retching and gagging
* loss of appetite
Severe symptoms include:
* Fever
* Pus-containing nasal discharge
* Depression
* Productive cough
Treatment:
A veterinarian may prescribe a suppressant to reduce coughing if coughing is severe. Symptoms should improve after a few days and recovery should occur within 3 weeks. If conditions continue or worsen even after a prolonged period, vet care is necessary. There are a myraid of various viruses and bacteria that causes kennel cough. Getting vaccines such as Distemper, Parainfluenza and Bordtella can help prevent kennel cough.
