Health

Kennel Cough

Infectious Bronchitis - otherwise known as 'Kennel Cough', is a disease of the respiratory system, which affects dogs of all ages. The disease is caused by a mixture of viruses and bacteria and is highly contagious. It can be spread through direct contact with another dog, contaminated surfaces (even your hands if you have stroked an affected dog) and through air droplets. Dogs can still be infectious days or weeks after their symptoms disappear. Symptoms begin usually 3 to 5 days after exposure. In extreme cases the disease can progress to pneumonia.

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June 2010
Kennel cough can be likened to a mild case of influenza in people. Your dog will be exposed to the disease wherever dogs congregate, such as boarding kennels, dog shows, training classes, out on walks or at exercise school!
Affected dogs typically develop a very harsh, dry, hacking cough, which can often last several weeks, causing sleepless nights and worry for all concerned. The cough can be so severe that it often sounds as if the dog is choking! At the same time, the dog may run a temperature, go off their food and become lethargic.
The most important thing that you can do for your dog, once infected, is to rest them. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent secondary bacterial infections which could lay your dog open to pneumonia. Coupage (patting the chest with cupped hands) and steam inhalation can both help the cough - the latter can be achieved by running a hot bath with your bathroom door shut, and sitting in the steamy room with your dog for 10 - 20 minutes.
However, prevention is better than cure and Kennel Cough can be prevented! If your dog is mixing with other dogs on a regular basis then it is highly advisable to protect them against this disease. The vaccine differs from your dog's usual annual vaccination, in that it is squirted up the nostril, rather than being injected under the skin on the neck. Kennel Cough spreads mainly in the summer when dogs mix in kennels, so it is best to vaccinate now. The vaccine is usually less than £20; cheaper than the antibiotics required if your dog becomes infected and you won't have to contain your dog in the house for four weeks while they are contagious.
If your dog develops a cough do not allow them to mix with other dogs and take them to the vet immediately. You can help protect your dog against this horrible disease!

Infectious Bronchitis - otherwise known as 'Kennel Cough', is a disease of the respiratory system, which affects dogs of all ages. The disease is caused by a mixture of viruses and bacteria and is highly contagious. It can be spread through direct contact with another dog, contaminated surfaces (even your hands if you have stroked an affected dog) and through air droplets. Dogs can still be infectious days or weeks after their symptoms disappear. Symptoms begin usually 3 to 5 days after exposure. In extreme cases the disease can progress to pneumonia.

Kennel cough can be likened to a mild case of influenza in people. Your dog will be exposed to the disease wherever dogs congregate, such as boarding kennels, dog shows, training classes, out on walks or at exercise school!

Affected dogs typically develop a very harsh, dry, hacking cough, which can often last several weeks, causing sleepless nights and worry for all concerned. The cough can be so severe that it often sounds as if the dog is choking! At the same time, the dog may run a temperature, go off their food and become lethargic.

The most important thing that you can do for your dog, once infected, is to rest them. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent secondary bacterial infections which could lay your dog open to pneumonia. Coupage (patting the chest with cupped hands) and steam inhalation can both help the cough - the latter can be achieved by running a hot bath with your bathroom door shut, and sitting in the steamy room with your dog for 10 - 20 minutes.

However, prevention is better than cure and Kennel Cough can be prevented! If your dog is mixing with other dogs on a regular basis then it is highly advisable to protect them against this disease. The vaccine differs from your dog's usual annual vaccination, in that it is squirted up the nostril, rather than being injected under the skin on the neck. Kennel Cough spreads mainly in the summer when dogs mix in kennels, so it is best to vaccinate now. The vaccine is usually less than £20; cheaper than the antibiotics required if your dog becomes infected and you won't have to contain your dog in the house for four weeks while they are contagious.

If your dog develops a cough do not allow them to mix with other dogs and take them to the vet immediately. You can help protect your dog against this horrible disease!