We love our pets, and we hate the thought of them getting sick. Unfortunately, there are many viruses and bacteria out there that can make our dogs and cats ill. One of the most common illnesses dogs face is kennel cough, also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis.
Kennel cough is a canine respiratory disease that’s often picked up at boarding facilities, doggy day care, dog parks or any other area where there are large groups of dogs. It’s spread through airborne droplets, direct contact and contaminated surfaces.
Continue reading to learn more about kennel cough and kennel cough treatment.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptom of kennel cough is the cough itself, which often has a honking sound. Additional symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, lethargy, loss of appetite and a low fever. Treatment is relatively easy in most dogs; however, it’s important to pay attention to these symptoms because they could be the signs of canine flu, bronchitis, asthma, a collapsing trachea or heart disease.
How is it treated?
Kennel cough can go away on its own in a week or two as long as your dog stays rested, but a vet may prescribe antibiotics as a kennel cough treatment to prevent a secondary infection. Additionally, a cough medication may be prescribed to ease the symptoms while your pup rests up.
While your dog has kennel cough, be sure to use a harness instead of a collar during your walks. Collars can irritate their trachea, aggravating the cough and even damaging the trachea.
Can it be prevented?
Bordetella bacterium is the most common cause of kennel cough. There’s a vaccine available against these bacteria that’s given in two doses, followed by a booster every six months to a year. We recommend getting your pets vaccinated, especially if you plan on boarding them or taking them to doggy day care.
Unfortunately, kennel cough can also be caused by other types of bacteria and several viruses. So even if your dog is vaccinated against Bordetella, they may not be immune.
Another component of kennel cough prevention is where you choose to board your pets or bring them to day care. Look for a clean and reputable facility, as these are less likely to have any bacteria or viruses present.
Be sure to bring your pets to Lucky Bones Pet Resort!
If you’re boarding your pets or need to drop them off at day care, look no further than Lucky Bones Pet Resort. In addition to providing a clean environment, we offer more group play than any other day care facility, so your pets will never be lonely while you’re away!
Our staff are all highly trained to look for any signs of illnesses in pets, and we do our best to keep your pets healthy while they’re with us.
Whether you need to drop your pet off at day care for a few hours or you need to board them for a few weeks while you’re on vacation, we can help. Register online today or call us to learn more about our commitment to kennel cough prevention.
