It might appear like the dog illness identified as kennel cough might be less significant than other conditions, if left untreated it can lead to more severe conditions. The disease, also referred to as “canine flu”, is a very contagious upper respiratory infection that can be generated by a variety of viruses and bacteria, most frequently the Bordetella Bronchiseptica bacteria. Several dog illnesses including canine distemper, parainfluenza and canine adenovirus can also make pet dogs more inclined to contracting the bordetella bacteria. The ailment gets its name from the fact that it easily spreads in the middle of canines living in close quarters, such as those confined in kennels or animal shelters.

While dogs inhale this disease-causing germ deep into their upper respiratory system, they develop the disorder kennel cough. When most infectious particles go into the respiratory system, the mucus that is naturally present will be able to trap them and prevent infection, nevertheless a dog’s standard defenses can be weakened because of contact with cigarette smoke, dust, stress or even cold temperatures. One more way that canines may contract this disease is because of contaminated surface or direct contact with other dogs that are already infected. The disorder remains very contagious even weeks after the signs have vanished.

The principal symptom of kennel cough is an incessant hacking cough that can sound like retching or gagging and may be accompanied by coughing up a white foamy substance. Nevertheless the mutt will generally not present any other signs and symptoms comparable to lassitude or fever and frequently engages in its regular activities. Though, exercises could affect the cough to get worse and the dog may continue to cough day and night. Indications of the illness frequently appear three to five days after the dog contracts the virus. 

Pet dogs that become infected with kennel cough will generally get better within around 3 weeks’ time, but dogs that have other diseases or health conditions and dogs that are older, can sometimes take more time. You may help to reduce the coughing by maintaining your dog in a zone that is well-humidified, and by replacing your leash with a harness to diminish pulling on the neck. Nevertheless dogs with the disorder should still be observed, as there may be a few complications resulting from the illness resulting from the dog developing a secondary bacterial contamination that causes pneumonia, with signs comparable to eye and nose discharged, a raised temperature, loss of appetite and lethargy. Kennel cough may also be a symptom of more serious dog ailments and health conditions like periodontal disease, heart disease, parasites, heartworm and allergies. If the dog fails to recover within the estimated time, or has warning signs like listlessness or deep breathing, you might get in touch with your veterinarian as soon as possible.

There are vaccines accessible to avoid the expansion of kennel cough which are given through nasal mist or injections, but you should comprehend that this will not cure kennel cough and that there is no promise that the disease will not be contracted anyway. Injected vaccines are given to dogs inclined to bite, as the intranasal type is given to dogs housed in kennels and similar environments. Injections are given as a part of the initial puppy shot suite, giving two doses 4-weeks apart with yearly booster shots being given every year after, with yearly intranasal or nasal mist type vaccines being given to dogs annually or as often as every 6-months for dogs that are in kennel situations often, making them more high-risk. Antibiotics are generally given to cure the bacterial infection itself in dogs that are diagnosed with the ailment, with a cough suppressant being given if your dog is not coughing up anything productive.

The more you know about dog health condition the better, discover more advices at AboutDogsandPets. The Ultimate dog health guide will assist you to take better care of your dog.