A Description of Kennel Cough

So now you ask , what's kennel cough and just how could it be sent? Will a dog only have it inside a kennel or will it passed outside? How about within an elevator? While dog walking? But my dog has got the vaccination - how did he have it? Can my dog have it again? How come my vet says it isn't necessary? Is my puppy's immune system weaker in contracting it?

There's a lot untrue stories and misunderstanding all around the virus/bacteria - hopefully this can clear a number of those up.

Kennel cough (or Bordatella) is roughly a couple-week highly contagious virus/bacteria that infects the dog’s upper respiratory system area and passes with other dogs through microscopic tiny droplets in mid-air. It’s germs which has zero signs and symptoms for that first week and may pass with their noses. Given there aren’t any signs and symptoms within the first week, you do not know which dog is contagious and which dog isn’t. It may be passed in public when two dogs meet and say hello, while dog walking inside a pack or perhaps in a lift if a dog sneezes. It may be passed inside a park where you will find many dogs playing or perhaps in your dog kennel, again, while playing.

Once the signs and symptoms do develop, it may sound just like a horn honking out of your dog’s throat, repetitive coughing, and also seems like they’re attempting to bring something up that stuck within their throat. Occasional vomiting is yet another symptom connected using the virus/bacteria.

Some veterinarians recommend obtaining the Bordatella vaccination plus some don’t. This is because the vaccination is the best guess in the kennel cough strain with this year - like the flu shot for humans. Even though it’s their finest guess, a dog will contract kennel cough despite the fact that they were vaccinated for this earlier that year. However, what the vaccination does proffer is constraining the virus/bacteria so it doesn't develop further or possibly not need medication. Many veterinarians will suggest that young puppies, seniors dogs, and individuals with compromised natural defenses is deserving of the vaccination yearly.

What exactly is the next step if you feel your pet has kennel cough? A fast test would be to squeeze lightly on each side from the trachea and find out if he responds with having a cough. If that's the case, it might be good idea for a fast visit to the vet. Sometimes the vet will prescribe anti-biotics and often they’ll let it run on its course naturally. Your pet, regrettably, won't have the ability to interact or have fun with other dogs throughout this time because he continues to be quite contagious.

If you find that he's coughing continuously, you can place some honey on a bit of bread which will coat and soothe the throat as well as reduce the coughing. Also, chicken noodle soup does wonders for his system. So looks like it’s cuddle time on the couch following a bonding dog walk with you.

And if your dog has to stay home or away from the dog park for a bit while recovering, he’ll still happily enjoy all your bonding moments while going for a dog walk!

For more information on dog kennels and daycares - click here.