Author: Ray Lam
Kennel Cough is one of the leading causes of death in dogs. Kennel
cough goes by the scientific name tracheobronchitis. It's a very
contagious upper respiratory illness that can quickly move through a
kennel. It's a deadly illness that can be difficult to treat, if not
dealt with early. Kennel Cough is spread from dog to dog by coughing
and sneezing. In a closed and close environment like a kennel, this
disease can spread very rapidly.
One of the first warning signs of kennel cough in dogs is a rough and
dry, hacking cough that will show up with in a week of the dog having
the initial infection. The damage is done through the bacteria and/ or
viruses damaging the lining of the windpipe and bronchi, which exposes
the nerve endings. The cough is caused when the dog breathes in and out
and air is exposed to the endings of the nerves which irritates them.
If your dog starts to show any signs of coughing without phlegm,
hacking, retching, sneezing and snorting for several days, it could
already indicate kennel cough. In some cases, a dog can experience
fever and the worst could happen when kennel cough develops to more
serious problem for your dog like pneumonia.
Prevention is still the best cure for kennel cough. Keep clean areas
where your dog frequent in your house and boarding kennels, in
particular, need to be hygienic too. If your dog requires interaction
with other dogs in places such as parks, kennels or training schools,
this is a call for you to vaccinate your dog against kennel cough.
There are some coughs which are similar to kennel cough that can b
caused by other serious respiratory diseases, so it is important that
the dog be examined by a vet. You can also prevent kennel cough by
having your dog vaccinated against these infectious germs. Dogs that
are not in frequent contact with other dogs have a reduced chance of
getting kennel cough. If taking your dog to a show or having it
bordered ensure that the dog is vaccinated a few week before hand to
prevent from catching the disease.
About the Author:
Tags:
|
Print this page
