One of the most prevelant and easily transmitable disease in dogs in Tracheobronchitis (Kennel Cough). Although very prevalent, especially when exposed to large numbers of dogs, methods can be put into place to help avoid Kennel Cough. Read on to find background information on what Kennel Cough is and how to prevent it in your pets.

Kennel Cough, medically known as “Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis”, affects several dogs each year. In most cases Kennel Cough is not a life threating condition for dogs, although some dogs can become severly ill. The typical case of kennel cough lasts anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks and length with severe coughing. Like any illness, precautions should be taken to help prevent Kennel Cough from occuring in our pets.

The cause of of Kennel Cough happens because of exposure of the dog to airborne bacteria. The highest occurance of the bacteria in the air is typically when the dog is in close quarters with many other dogs. Some common places to be alert of Kennel Cough exposure would be dog shows and boarding kennels.

How do you know if your dog has Kennel Cough many might ask. This is typically noticed through the coughing itself. The dog will have a very dry sounding, recurring cough over a period of time. This is very simular to the common cold that humans contract and also resembles the common cold in that there is not a cure, the dog must simply wait it out. Often the coughing will be severe enough to cause the dog to regergeate and typically a white dicharge will be seen. Other than the coughing, the dog will seem like itself without loss of appetite or fatigue that humans typically suffer with a cold.

If an owner suspects a dog has Kennel Cough it should be scheduled to see the vet at once for treatment. During this time if other dogs are in the household, the infected dog should be isolated so not to speard the illness. Also make sure to tell the vet that you suspect the dog has Kennel Cough so proper arrangements can be made ahead of time so other dogs in the office are not exposed. The vet can diagnosis Kennel Cough with a routine exam. Also if the dog has been in an area with other dogs make sure to tell your vet. If diagnoses with Kennel Cough the typical prescription is an antibiotic and a cough supressant.

There are many different causes of Kennel Cough and proper Immunization is a key factor in avoiding the illness. Even with up to date Immunization shots additional precautions should be taken. Below are some helpful hints:

Before boarding a dog, make sure it has proper ventilation.
Do not share the dogs toys, bowls etc… with other dogs.
Do not let your dog play with other unfamilar dogs toys.

Now that you have more of a background on what Kennel Cough is and how it affects our pets, we hope you take some of our reccomendations to help reduce its spread.

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