How to prevent kennel cough in dogs is a concern of every dog owner, particularly those that own younger dogs like Toy Poodles and German Shepherds. Kennel cough is a type of cough that can be very contagious and can affect both puppies and adult dogs. It usually affects puppies less than three weeks old, who cannot express their coughing habit on their own. This makes it very difficult to diagnose kennel cough in dogs early. Kennel cough can produce mild to moderate symptoms in some dogs but in more severe cases can progress into a full blown canine pneumonia which can be fatal if not treated immediately.
Although the incubation period to contract the virus is around two to four days, the actual breakout period is normally quicker than this. The coughing sound produced by this viral infection is a very common symptom in many cases but the sound itself is not enough to diagnose the condition. The symptoms include a reduced ability to gain sufficient restful sleep, lethargy, dehydration, loss of appetite, vomiting and fever. You should take immediate action if you notice any of these signs in your dog.
It is important to treat kennel cough in dogs promptly because it can be a serious illness which can be potentially fatal. Since the clinical signs of this condition are generally similar to that of pneumonia, treatment is very similar to treating pneumonia – the dogs must be properly looked at by a veterinarian. An examination must be done to look for the presence of a tumor or fluid filled chest wound. Other clinical signs of this condition include a loss of appetite, excessive salivation, coughing, wheezing, chest pain and difficulty breathing.
Treatment includes intravenous fluids, a warm temperature and lots of attention. In most cases, treatment is best given to the animal before it is able to get worse. In very mild cases, kennel cough in dogs will not lead to any fatalities. In moderate and severe cases however, the animal can die from this condition if not treated promptly. So, while this condition is not life threatening, it is still important to pay close attention to the signs in order to prevent death from occurring.
If the problem is caught early, treatment is usually successful. However, in more advanced cases, the treatment might require an antibiotic medication such as cephalexin or amoxicillin/clavulanate. The problem with antibiotics is that they only fight off the infection while it is still at an earlier stage. Therefore, treatment of kennel cough with antibiotics can actually make the disease spread because the harmful bacteria are killed while the beneficial bacteria is left unchecked.
This disease often affects older dogs who have weakened immune systems. It can also be transmitted to humans who come into physical contact with an infected dog. Although there is no vaccine available for this disease, several weeks of medical treatment can greatly improve the symptoms. Your pet’s appetite will generally recover within a few weeks, but additional treatment might be required for dogs who suffer from severe symptoms such as a loss of appetite and vomiting.
You should be aware that some clinical signs of kennel cough do not actually include the usual sneezing and cough. These include signs such as a watery discharge, a reddened face, grey mucus, and increased mucous. These symptoms are actually caused by infections in the lungs and therefore they do not include the typical symptoms seen in acute respiratory disease. However, because these symptoms tend to worsen with time, you should start looking out for them.
The most common way to diagnose kennel cough is through the means of an audiogram. An audiogram, or listening instrument, can detect the presence of audible tones or sounds within your dog’s lungs. If you notice anything different during this exam, then you can conclude that your dog has teachers that are infected. You should take your dog to the vet right away for a proper diagnosis and treatment.