Understanding Kennel Cough
You’ve probably heard the term “kennel cough” being thrown around quite a bit in your interactions with other pet parents. This common canine illness, also known as infectious tracheobronchitis, is a type of bronchitis affecting dogs, characterized by an inflammation of the trachea and bronchial tubes.
Kennel cough can be caused by various viruses and bacteria, but the most common culprit is the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica. It’s highly contagious, spreading from dog to dog through airborne droplets, direct contact, or contaminated surfaces (toys, water bowls, etc.).
How Your Dog Can Contract Kennel Cough
Dogs often contract kennel cough in places with high canine traffic, such as boarding kennels, grooming salons, or dog parks. Here’s a simple breakdown of how your dog can get kennel cough:
- Direct Contact: If your dog interacts with an infected dog, they could contract the bacterium.
- Airborne Droplets: An infected dog coughing, sneezing, or barking can release the bacteria into the air, which your dog could then inhale.
- Contaminated Surfaces: If your dog shares toys, food bowls, or other items with an infected dog, they could contract the disease.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
Most dogs with kennel cough will exhibit a dry, hacking cough. It might sound like your dog has something stuck in their throat. Other symptoms can include:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Loss of appetite
- Low fever
| Symptoms | Severity |
|---|---|
| Dry, hacking cough | High |
| Sneezing | Medium |
| Runny Nose | Medium |
| Loss of Appetite | High |
| Low fever | Medium |
Preventing Kennel Cough
As a caregiver, you always want to protect your dog from any potential harm. Here are a few steps you can take:
- Vaccination: Vaccines are available for the most common causes of kennel cough.
- Good Hygiene: Regularly clean your dog’s toys, bowls, and other items.
- Avoid High-Risk Areas: If there’s an outbreak in your area, avoid dog parks, boarding kennels, and other high-traffic areas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are certain dog breeds more susceptible to kennel cough?
A: No specific breed is more prone to kennel cough, but puppies, elderly dogs, and those with weak immune systems are at a higher risk.
Q: Can humans contract kennel cough from dogs?
A: It’s very rare, but the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacterium can infect humans with weakened immune systems.
Q: How long does kennel cough last in dogs?
A: Most dogs recover within three to six weeks, but this could vary depending on the dog’s health status and age.
Q: Can my dog get kennel cough more than once?
A: Yes, dogs can contract kennel cough multiple times in their life.
Remember, a healthy dog is a happy dog. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and give your furry friend the best care possible.
