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Kennel Cough in DogsKennel cough in dogs is a very contagious disease of the upper respiratory tract (kind of like the flu is in humans). It is also known as tracheo-bronchitis because there is a lot of inflammation of the upper respiratory system (that is, the trachea and the bronchi).
It is called “kennel cough” because of the highly contagious nature of the infection—this allows the infection to spread quickly, especially when the dogs are in close quarters such as a kennel. It is important to note that this infection can be contagious even weeks after the initial symptoms. Also if kennel cough symptoms are not recognized and treated in time, there is a chance that this can progress to a much more dangerous lower respiratory infection such as pneumonia. Viruses and bacteria are the main causes. Viruses such as canine distemper, canine adenovirus, canine parainfluenza, or canine respiratory coronavirus and bacteria such as Bordatella bronchiseptica are the primary culprits. It is important to note that sometimes kennel cough symptoms are actually part of a larger problem. Such ailments include: heart disease, heartworm, parasites, dental disease, throat growths, pneumonia, allergies to mention a few. Please read on to learn more about the spread, prevention, symptoms and treatment of this important infection.
Kennel cough is quite a common and potentially serious condition. Learning more about how it spreads, possible preventative measures, and its symptoms/treatment can help you take care of your dog in the event she develops this illness.
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