Kennel Cough: A Very Common And Easy To Treat Disease

The kennel cough is a type of light bronchitis, also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis. It is an airway disease, highly contagious, but easily treatable and not very dangerous, it cannot be transmitted to humans.

You may notice that after a cold day of walking, or when you leave your dog’s coat damp after a bath, or when he has been exposed to the cold for a long time, or because he has been in recent contact with other dogs, he starts a dry cough. Don’t be scared, but watch him closely.

Streaming

This disease is caused by an anaerobic virus that is transmitted when an infected dog sneezes or coughs.

Because physical contact is very important between dogs, a single infected dog can transmit the disease to many others, through activities such as playing, walking or simply sleeping next to another dog.

This type of cough is known as “kennel cough” precisely because the overcrowding and cold soil in these places greatly facilitate the spread of this disease. Some factors that favor the spread of the disease are poor ventilation, stress and poor hygiene.

Symptoms of the disease

This disease is manifested by a persistent dry cough, often it gets worse after exercise or when the dog is very happy. In special cases, the expulsion of fluids through the nose can also be observed.

In the dog, apart from coughing, there is usually no discomfort, so he will eat, exercise and remain active and alert, although sick. It’s not a serious illness, but it can get complicated if there’s fluid in the lungs.

Despite the above, extra care should be taken with puppies a few weeks old or dogs that have a history of respiratory tract illness.

Also, it can often get complicated in the case of dogs with weakened immune systems. In the worst case, there is a possibility that the dog will develop pneumonia.

Treatment

It is generally a disease that clears up within a few weeks and usually does not require specialist or veterinary treatment.

Treatments can include antitoxics to shorten the lifespan of the virus in the dog’s body, but isolation is often also suggested to prevent the spread of disease.

Precautions

Because it is airborne, it is a very difficult disease to prevent. However, you can strengthen your pet so that it does not suffer complications and to fight the virus better.

The most effective way to strengthen your pet is through good nutrition. Note that nourishing is not the same as feeding, so your dog should have a diet rich in nutrients that are able to improve his immune system and also strengthen his respiratory system.

Taking care of animal hygiene is vital not only to prevent this disease, but many others. Also remember to keep your dog in a well-ventilated place and, preferably,  avoid  situations that trigger episodes of stress as much as possible.

If you detect that he is sick, you should isolate him during the passing of the disease transmission phase;  to prevent its spread. Also ensure that your pet does not come into contact with sick animals.

If you have more than four dogs in your care, it is best to vaccinate them once a year, because the more pets, the greater the risk of getting the disease.

Also remember to protect your dog from the cold, give him a blanket or mattress to sleep in and always keep him warm in the coldest seasons.