What’s Kennel Cough?
Many people wonder what a dog’s cough sounds like as it is a rare noise. If you hear a coughing sound from your dog, you ought to be concerned as it could be the annoying kennel cough.
What is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough is the common name assigned to infectious bronchitis in dogs. Just as in humans, this infection is caused by bacteria and viruses in their respiratory system.
Kennel cough can be contagious and is airborne, so it can quickly spread through kennels (hence the name). The infection can also be transmitted through bacteria on toys, food, or other shared objects.
Kennel Cough Symptoms
There are several warning signs and side effects of kennel cough like:
- Coughing
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Eye discharge
Although annoying, these symptoms and the infection are not often dangerous and can likely be easily treated. If not treated correctly, though, it could develop into a more serious condition like pneumonia. There are also several strains of the virus, and some are more serious than others.
Diagnosis and Treatment
There is no official test to diagnose kennel cough. Still, if your animal is experiencing symptoms and has been in contact with other infected animals, it is likely safe to diagnose them.
If further testing is deemed necessary, swab samples can be taken to determine the exact bacteria or virus present in your animal.
Many dogs quickly recover from this illness in three to six weeks. If treatment is deemed necessary, antibiotics, cough suppressants, and anti-inflammatory medicines may be utilized. To help your sick pup, keep your area well ventilated and keep a collar off of them to prevent windpipe blockage.
Vaccinations
There are several strands of the illness that regular vaccinations often fight off easily. However, there are special vaccinations that may be utilized to further prevent any infection from occurring. Discuss with your veterinarian to determine which vaccinations are suitable for your canine companion.
Keeping your dog healthy and happy is all that is important, so keep a watchful eye on your pup as they go through life. If they develop a bad cough, take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible.