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CANINE KENNEL COUGH
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| What is Canine Kennel Cough? |
| Infectious tracheobronchitis is a highly
contagious, upper respiratory
disease which is spread by an airborne virus.
The incubation period of the disease is roughly 3 to 7 days. The main
symptom is a gagging cough, sometimes accompanied by sneezing and nasal
discharge, which can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. |
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| How is is cured? |
| Just as in the case of a common cold, tracheobronchitis is
not "cured" but must run its course. |
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| How might my dog catch
tracheobronchitis? |
| The most likely place to catch tracheobronchitis
is in a kennel, where a dog is near a number of potentially contagious dogs, and
where a dog is experiencing higher levels of stress and excitement. A dog
can also catch the disease in a park or playground or where ever contact with
other dogs occurs. |
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| Are these viruses a
constant problem? |
| No. Tracheobronchitis, like
the flu, is often seasonal. It is common for outbreaks to occur at several
kennels concurrently, along with instances for dogs that were not
kenneled. When the outbreak is over, it may be months before another local
case occurs. |
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| Can my dog be
vaccinated against tracheobronchitis? |
| Yes!
Vaccines against parainfluenza and adenovirus type 2 (in combination with other
vaccines) are routinely used as part of an adult dog's yearly checkup.
Puppies are usually vaccinated for these in combination with distemper,
hepatitis, and parvovirus in a series of immunizations. |
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| Can't the kennel
prevent my dog from getting tracheobronchitis? |
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Unfortunately,
no amount of supervision, sanitation, or personal care can prevent a dog from
catching an airborne virus. A good kennel will recommend immunization
against tracheobronchitis, refuse to board any obviously sick dog, listen a
watch for any signs of sickness, and make sure that any dog that requires
veterinary attention receives it as soon as possible. Of
course, having a veterinarian on site will help assure early detection and treatment
of any ailment of kenneled pets. |
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