Most dog owners that observe symptoms such as a dog cough have doubtless suspected kennel cough as the cause, but you might or might not be acquainted with what that term actually means. Kennel cough refers to an upper respiratory tract infection, more specifically tracheobronchitis, which is an infection of the tracheal lining and the bronchioles. Kennel cough results from infection with a micro-organism called Bordetella bronchiseptica, which is transmissible between dogs. Many times, a dog will get infected with a respiratory virus at the exact same time, which allows the Bordetella micro-organism to more easily attack the respiratory tissues. Bordetellais, is generally contracted by nose-to-nose contact with an infected canine or exposure to an infected canine or an infected canine's breathing secretions in a boxed-in, crowded environment, for example a boarding dog house. Groomers, obedience classes, and even the veterinarian's clinic are also all possible places for a canine to get infected.
Once infected by the micro-organism, the dog will begin to show signs of the illness within 14 days. Symptoms of kennel cough can include: a mild, occasional cough to more terrible symptoms for example sleepiness, fever, and a constant, dreadful cough. A veterinarian will customarily diagnose kennel cough based on a mixture of the dog's history and the physical exam. Examination customarily uncovers a delicate trachea, which causes the dog to splutter when the throat area is gradually massaged.
If the dog has worse symptoms, such as listlessness and fever, chest x-rays might be performed to exclude from pneumonia. Chest x-rays also may be performed to disqualify other probable causes of coughing, like heart problems or collapsing trachea. If your dog hasn't been on consistent heartworm prevention and you live in a heartworm-endemic area of the country, your vet might also want to perform a heartworm test, as heartworm illness is another common cause of coughing in dogs.
If your dog has a mild cough that isn't resolved after one or two days of observation, you must make an appointment with your veterinarian. Once a diagnosis of kennel cough is created, a treatment plan will be established. For the standard mild case of kennel cough, your veterinarian will likely prescribe an antibiotic that's good against the Bordetella organism, either a tetracycline or penicillin. The vet may also prescribe a cough suppressor depending on the severity and frequency of the coughing. In the rare cases where the kennel cough has progressed into pneumonia, hospitalizing could be required. These grim cases might also need intravenous fluids, intravenous antibiotics, and even oxygen care.
Most dogs who frequent the groomer or boarding facility are vaccinated for Bordetella bronchiseptica, but that does not mean that they are resistant to contracting kennel cough. There are many different strains of the Bordetella micro-organism, and the vaccine only defends against some of them. Additionally, the vaccine is not 100 % effective, even for the strains that it includes. If your dog is exhibiting signs of kennel cough that doesn't resolve after one or two days, even if he's been immunized, you must take him to your veterinarian for evaluation and care.
Once infected by the micro-organism, the dog will begin to show signs of the illness within 14 days. Symptoms of kennel cough can include: a mild, occasional cough to more terrible symptoms for example sleepiness, fever, and a constant, dreadful cough. A veterinarian will customarily diagnose kennel cough based on a mixture of the dog's history and the physical exam. Examination customarily uncovers a delicate trachea, which causes the dog to splutter when the throat area is gradually massaged.
If the dog has worse symptoms, such as listlessness and fever, chest x-rays might be performed to exclude from pneumonia. Chest x-rays also may be performed to disqualify other probable causes of coughing, like heart problems or collapsing trachea. If your dog hasn't been on consistent heartworm prevention and you live in a heartworm-endemic area of the country, your vet might also want to perform a heartworm test, as heartworm illness is another common cause of coughing in dogs.
If your dog has a mild cough that isn't resolved after one or two days of observation, you must make an appointment with your veterinarian. Once a diagnosis of kennel cough is created, a treatment plan will be established. For the standard mild case of kennel cough, your veterinarian will likely prescribe an antibiotic that's good against the Bordetella organism, either a tetracycline or penicillin. The vet may also prescribe a cough suppressor depending on the severity and frequency of the coughing. In the rare cases where the kennel cough has progressed into pneumonia, hospitalizing could be required. These grim cases might also need intravenous fluids, intravenous antibiotics, and even oxygen care.
Most dogs who frequent the groomer or boarding facility are vaccinated for Bordetella bronchiseptica, but that does not mean that they are resistant to contracting kennel cough. There are many different strains of the Bordetella micro-organism, and the vaccine only defends against some of them. Additionally, the vaccine is not 100 % effective, even for the strains that it includes. If your dog is exhibiting signs of kennel cough that doesn't resolve after one or two days, even if he's been immunized, you must take him to your veterinarian for evaluation and care.
About the Author:
Cathy Doggins is the most active contributor to the Dog Health Guide, a leading source of information on dog illnesses and conditions. She has written many articles on kennel cough and other dog health-related issues. When not caring for the dog members of her folks, Cathy can be found volunteering at a local shelter or speaking on behalf of animal rights.
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