To many, the term kennel cough means that this disease can only be
contracted from a kennel. This is not so. Your dog can pick up the
disease from any
place where there are many dogs, but they can also get it
from exposure to just a single
infected animal. Kennel cough often occurs
following exposure at these most likely places:
1.A kennel
2.Your groomers
3.A show
4.Veterinarians or clinic
5.Congregation of other dogs
Kennel cough is a highly contagious
disease affecting the respiratory
system of dogs. It is influenced by various
environmental factors, usually
produced by a combination of bacterial and viral agents.
Supplying your dog's veterinarian with an accurate history (vaccination
status,
recent stress, and especially recent activities) is essential in
the diagnosis of kennel cough.
The major sign of kennel cough is a spontaneous, dry, hacking cough that is
easily induced. For example, simply walking the dog on a leash may cause a
sudden fit
of coughing. Owners may suspect that the dog has something
caught in its throat, or
that it is trying to vomit. You should observe
your bulldog carefully so you may accurately
report to your veterinarian
how your dog is acting and what his symptoms are.
Most cases of canine kennel cough will spontaneously resolve in ten days to
three weeks,
but owners can make their dogs more comfortable by minimizing the
coughing with a cough
suppressant obtained from their veterinarian. The dog
should definitely be seen by the
veterinarian if the disease persists
longer than two weeks or the animal begins to show
systemic signs, that is,
acts depressed, has a fever, has lost its appetite, is not drinking
as much
water as normal, or is just plain acting sick.
Generally, seven to ten days
is required after exposure to an infected animal
before a dog develops the characteristic cough. Antibiotics may be
prescribed if the disease is systemic, but their usefulness is questionable.
To help prevent this disease rather than trying to deal with it once your
bulldog has it would be through the routine use of vaccinations. Viral
causes of kennel cough (such as distemper, adenoviruses, and parainfluenza
virus), are covered by the "DHLPP" vaccination that all dogs should receive
annually. The major bacterial agent associated with the disease, Bordetella
Bronchiseptica, may be vaccinated against as well. Another preventative
measure would be to have your veterinarian give your bulldog a booster
against Bordetella seven to 10 days prior to a show or kenneling, and
annual boosters if you feel your bulldog is at high exposure to other dogs.
If you suspect your bulldog of having kennel cough he should be isolated
from other dogs so that it cannot transmit the disease to healthy ones.
However, since an infected dog will not begin coughing for approximately 7
days after it has picked up the
disease, any dogs that come in contact with
it during that time may already have picked up
the disease and should be
observed carefully for any signs of this disease.
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