One of the most common diseases for canines is kennel cough, but how to prevent it and stop it from coming back if your dog has it is a bit more complicated. Veterinarians advise pet owners to look at their dog’s clinical history and see if there are any obvious signs of kennel cough or any other dog disease. If you have a cough that doesn’t seem to go away or if your dog seems less active than usual, you should contact your veterinarian. He or she will want to run some tests to rule out any other diseases or conditions that may be causing your dog’s problem.
One way how to prevent kennel cough for dogs is to keep your pet off of areas where he or she can come in contact with other dogs or animals. Common places to find susceptible dogs include boarding rooms and day care centers. Coughs caused by infectious agents are called “cilious” and are usually accompanied by a sound like cracking or coughing. Coughing that does not go away after a few hours or sneezing that produces a white or yellow discharge are the more serious types of infectious agents. Those kinds of coughs sound like a cracking noise when they occur and can indicate very serious issues.
Dogs that have a weaker immune systems are more prone to these types of respiratory problems. A number of infections are associated with weakened immune systems so older dogs, puppies and dogs with breathing or swallowing disorders are especially susceptible. It is not unusual for dogs to get chronic bronchitis, emphysema or pneumonia. Respiratory conditions may appear suddenly and disappear just as suddenly. Your veterinarian can give you the best treatment advice for your particular pet.
The symptoms of kennel cough are typically conjunctivitis or nasal discharge. These symptoms can be mild or serious. Mild conjunctivitis will usually clear up in one to two days and is generally accompanied by a watery, itchy nose. If the condition becomes chronic or has symptoms that last longer than these normal times, then it is likely that the cause is bacterial or viral. Your dog should not be affected too badly by this condition, but it can make life difficult for your pet.
Dogs that spend a lot of time in kennels, puppy mills or dog boarding facilities are more likely to contract kennel cough. An infected dog could cough up blood or become very ill, requiring veterinary care. Some viruses cause conjunctivitis or bronchial congestion, which means dogs can contract these infections just as easily as humans. It is important to always make sure your dog is kept very clean and disinfected, especially after a trip to an animal shelter.
In more severe cases, your dog may have difficulty breathing and may vomit or develop a fever. He could also lose his appetite and have diarrhea. If your dog contracts this type of cough, it is important to treat it right away with medication and warm water. Try to inject warm saltwater or mix your dog’s drinking water with medicine to help treat the problem.
If you notice your dog has these symptoms, bring him into the veterinarian right away. An x-ray can be helpful in determining the cause, so the vet can prescribe a cough suppressant. Your dog may be given a prescription for medication to help shorten the amount of time it takes for him to recover. Most dogs recover in one to two weeks, but some recover even faster. Be sure to notify your veterinarian if your dog seems to be in a lot of pain.
Preventing a cough from happening is important, so be sure to provide your dog with the supportive care he needs when he gets a cough. He should be kept warm and have food and water available to drink. He should also be wormed and have an exam to determine if he does have an infection or not.