Kennel cough in dogs: causes, symptoms, treatment. 24/7 Veterinary Care

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

It would be reckless to think that kennel cough can appear only in places where dogs are large. This is a viral disease that is difficult to avoid without regular preventive measures, the use of modern vaccinations. Today we wanted to tell you about the features of this terrible disease, so that every owner has an idea about it and can take the necessary measures in time.

General characteristics

Kennel cough is one of the most contagious diseases that is similar to the human flu, otherwise called "adenovirus". This ailment most often affects young and old animals. This disease manifests itself in places where dogs can contact each other or live relatively close. This is the private sector, large organizations where animals live at checkpoints and participate in the protection of the territory. Kennel cough can also be caught at shows, especially if your pet has not been vaccinated.

Reasons

How are wealready said above, this is an infectious disease that is transmitted by the respiratory route. However, sometimes diagnosis and treatment can be complicated by the fact that infections of viral and bacterial origin have become the cause of the development of the disease. If you notice the first signs, but there is a good round-the-clock veterinary clinic nearby, then you should not waste your time - go to the doctor and clear up your doubts.

This canine flu can be caused by various pathogens. It can be microplasma, parainfluenza virus, various types of reovirus, herpes virus or adenovirus. Each of them has the ability to mutate and change, which also affects the picture of the course of the disease. Therefore, if your pet has begun to show the first symptoms of the disease, then do not put it off. A good animal clinic can provide effective treatment and get rid of the disease quickly.

Symptoms

This disease can very quickly penetrate the body and affect all organs and systems. Adenovirus can be accompanied by bacteria and other infections, such as parainfluenza.

How does kennel cough manifest? The main symptom is a crackling and dry cough. Sometimes the owner may consider that a foreign object is stuck in the animal's throat. Sometimes coughing causes spitting up, which can cause the host to confuse the symptom with retching.

However, the diagnosis is complicated by the fact that at first the animal looks like quite he althy and behaves similarly. But atany touch to the throat triggers a coughing fit.

It is important not to make a mistake

Why do we keep emphasizing that self-treatment does not give a good result, that a good animal clinic is needed, where veterinarians will assess the condition of the animal and prescribe an effective course? Because it is necessary to have certain experience and know what symptomatic manifestations this disease is characterized by.

This is primarily a loss of appetite and decreased activity. Within a few days after the onset of a cough, the animal will begin to refuse most feeds, and soon their favorite treats. The cough increases day by day, and in addition, there may be an increase in body temperature. Characteristic signs include serous discharge from the nose and eyes, as well as swollen lymph nodes. This is a good sign: it means that the body is fighting the infection, it just needs a little help. Kennel cough in dogs can occur in different ways, it depends on the immune system and the state of the body. However, like any disease, it is much easier to prevent than to cure.

Prevention

Kennel cough can affect any dog, so if you often visit a kennel or walk your pet in a common area where many other animals come, be vigilant. Your pet is also at risk when an animal living with you in the same entrance becomes ill. Therefore, the only remedy that guarantees your petfull protection is preventive vaccinations. They are recommended to be done at least once every six months. However, it must be remembered that a vaccinated animal can also get sick if immunity has decreased for some reason. Therefore, sometimes a fleeting contact with an infected animal is enough, and a meeting with a veterinarian is provided for you. It should be noted that any 24-hour veterinary clinic is ready to offer you a good selection of quality vaccines, so there are no difficulties with this.

Prophylactic measures include proper diet, providing the pet with vitamin and mineral complexes, as well as normal physical activity. If you decide to get a dog, then first think about whether you are ready for another expense item. Every day your pet needs meat and fish, cereals and eggs, dairy products, vegetables. Poor nutrition weakens the immune system, which means that infectious tracheobronchitis, as this disease is also called, will have a higher chance of developing.

Treatment

What to do if your pet is already sick? Of course, he needs urgent help, but where to start? First of all, consult a doctor and get a conclusion that your pet has kennel cough. Treatment should begin with isolation of the dog. Do not take her outside - breathing in cold air will not benefit a sick animal, but will only irritate the respiratory tract.

Only after a thorough examination, the doctor can prescribe the mostsuitable medicines. These can be antibiotics, antitussive drugs, immunomodulators and vitamins. However, in addition to medical treatment, the veterinarian will give recommendations to speed up recovery and at the same time alleviate the condition of the animal.

Support activities

Very well with this disease help inhalation. At first glance it seems impossible, but it is not at all the case. It is recommended to open hot water in the bathroom 2-4 times a day and wait until the room is filled with moist air. Then take your dog to the bathroom. Inhaling moist air, the dog will immediately feel better. Steam thins mucus and reduces airway swelling.

The body needs strength to fight infection. However, the animal refuses to eat, which means that it is necessary to provide it with a nutritious drink. It can be warm milk with honey and low-fat broth. The most important thing is to consistently follow all the recommendations of the attending physician, and the pet will certainly recover.