Bordatella or more commonly known as Kennel Cough is essentially a cold for dogs and can be contracted from any contact with other dogs whether the area of meeting is pristinely clean or not. Kennel Cough is so prevalent we've decided to give it its own special page to clarify its mysterious nature and give you, our clients as much confidence in knowing what it is, and how to deal with it. Kennel Cough can appear anywhere including your veterinarian office, pet stores, kennels, doggy day care, daily walks in the neighborhood, community buildings, groomers, and the park. Kennel Cough affects the upper respiratory system in dogs as any cold would in humans. The symptoms are just as unpleasant to our canine friends as their human counterparts.
A healthy dog with a healthy immune system will recover from Kennel Cough within 7-10 days of contracting it.
We've provided below some pointers to help you recognize Kennel Cough when it appears. Especially be wary and watchful after your dog has spent lots of time with other dogs.
The symptoms include:
- A Dry Hacking Cough/or deep froggy cough with white foamy mucous
- Listlessness, especially when waking up, after even the most mild exercise and before bedtime
Kennel Cough is highly contagious and there's no clear way to tell how, when or where your dog(s) may have contracted it. A seemingly healthy dog that has Kennel Cough can pass the airborne virus to another dog within 2-3 days of contracting it with no apparent symptoms and 2-3 days after symptoms disappear.
If you suspect your dog has Kennel Cough, call your vet and let them know you suspect it. They will instruct you on how to bring your pet in as to minimize exposure to other dogs in the vet office. Limit your dogs activity and quarantine him/her from other dogs you may have and/or dogs around your neighborhood.
If the dog is healthy with a healthy immune system he will rid himself of it on his own within 7-10 days. DO NOT take any chances however with older dogs or dogs with health problems. Kennel Cough can lead to pneumonia or even death. Talk to your vet immediately if you think your dog might be experiencing symptoms of pneumonia, such as yellow or green mucous and your dog's coughing worsens. Your vet may prescribe antibiotics to prevent or treat further opportunistic bacterial infections, such as pneumonia but they do nothing against the virus itself. Some cough supressents may cause or raise the risk for immunosuppression where the immune system can be further compromised. Pressure on the throat and trachea can worsen the cough, so it is recommended to use a harness or head collar instead of a regular collar.
There are currently some vaccines and preventative measures that can be taken, but nothing guarantees that your dog will be completely immune to the onslaught of Kennel Cough. For prevention it is recommended to expose your dog to other dogs, most especially puppies, as soon as possible. Be sure to regularly vaccinate your dog with a standard 5-way or 7-way vaccine. This in no way guarantees your dog will be completely immune but will lessen the symptoms and duration of Kennel Cough. There is an injectable Bordatella vaccine and one that is given intranasally (squirted into the nostrils). Again neither vaccine will totally ensure your pet a safe happy life completely free of Kennel Cough.
For the injectable vaccine, 2 doses must be given 3-4 weeks apart, and protection does not occur until 1-2 weeks after the second injection. Another prevention method is disinfecting kennels and other doggy areas regulary used. For more information about vaccines and prevention measures ask your trusted vet.
Other treatments of Kennel Cough may include Homeopathic remedies that boost the dogs immune system and does not bombard your dog's system with toxic chemicals. Most of the prescribed natural remedies require following the treatment plan without deviation or error. For more information about natural ways to help treat Kennel Cough, talk with a Homeopathic Veterinarian in your area.
The Animal Nanny requires that all dogs be current on vaccinations otherwise they will not be admitted into doggy daycare, boarding camp or other activities. If your dog has or recently had a bout of Kennel Cough, we encourage at least a 15 day absence from The Animal Nanny's pet care services. This will ensure your pet does not infect others in the doggy groups and care services. Even if your pet is under medication, we cannot under no circumstances risk other beloved pets contracting this highly contagious virus.
The Animal Nanny takes every precaution to sanitize and disinfect the doggy daycare, playground areas, toys, grooming tools, vehicles, food dishes, and more to ensure the safest possible area for your dog to play and romp with other dogs. If we suspect any pet in our care has having Kennel Cough, we will quarantine the pet immediately and call the owner immediately and with permission, your vet if you are unable to do so.
If you have more questions about Kennel Cough, please talk with your closest expert, your veterinarian.
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