Kennel Cough
One of the ongoing risks for our dogs is exposure to kennel cough, otherwise known as “Infectious Tracheobronchitis”. Kennel cough can be caused by a number of viruses as well as bacteria. Frequently the disease is in fact caused by a canine combination of these two types of organisms. Primary among the viruses are Canine adenovirus type 1 and 2, as well as Canine Parainfluenza virus.
Probably the single most important organism in causing kennel cough is a bacteria called Bordaltella Bronchiseptica. A dog that has contracted one or more of these organisms will develop a very significant infection and inflammation of the trachea and the bronchi. The onset of symptoms can be in as little as four to five days or as long as two weeks after exposure, however, the broad majority of dogs will become symptomatic in seven to ten days post exposure.
The most common symptom is typically a deep honking type cough that develops abruptly. In of many cases the cough is non-productive and it will appear that the dog is retching. These dogs will usually have paroxysms of coughing followed by intervals of minimal coughing. The coughing can be exacerbated by drinking water, activity increases, or when exposed to temperature differentials, (e.g, when going from a warm environment into a cool one or vice versa).
Most dogs with kennel cough will act normally except for the coughing and will have a normal appetite. Occasionally a mild to moderate temperature elevation will occur (up to 105° F) and there may be a nasal discharge as well as a decrease in appetite. Treatment in most dogs is not necessary as the infection will subside on its own within seven to ten days. However, some dogs continue coughing for up to two to three weeks. If the symptoms are severe it is appropriate to medicate. If the cough is productive and not interfering with the dogs ability to rest, the cough should be allowed to continue as it helps rid the airways of inflammatory and infective debris. If the cough is productive but so persistent that the dog cannot get comfortable, or if it is not productive, the use of cough suppressants is indicated.
The use of some honey on a piece of bread ,or using a human over the counter cough suppressant syrup may sometimes be enough to quiet the coughing down to an acceptable level. If further suppression is required your veterinarian should be able to provide you with an appropriate medication. Antibiotics are appropriate if the symptoms are severe, and particularly if the temperature is elevated for more than two or three days, bear in mind that the antibiotics will only be effective against any bacterial causative agents.
The viruses will have to be taken care of by the bodies normal defence mechanisms just as in you or I. If medications do not help within several days, or if the symptoms worsen or reoccur, then re-evaluation of the diagnosis is certainly warranted. The type of cough seen with kennel cough can also be present in some severe respiratory diseases that will require a more in depth diagnostic plan and therapeutic regimen. Preventing other dogs from contracting this disease once it is present requires isolating the affected dog stringently. The organisms that are responsible are spread primarily on small water droplets in the air, but direct contact between dogs and with areas that are contaminated by sputum can also serve as a source of contagion.
It is usually recommended to owners that an affected dog not be allowed to contact other dogs until there has been no coughing for at least seven to ten days. To prevent transmission in kennel settings and at home you should isolate the affected dog and increase the ventilation within the kennel to the point that you are exchanging the air twelve to fifteen times per hour. You should try to keep the humidity to less than 50% if possible. Kennels, crates and dishes should be cleaned vigorously with disinfectants and allowed to dry thoroughly before their next use. In short, increasing airflow and dryness will help a great deal with this problem.
Vaccines may help prevent kennel cough. Some of these vaccines can be administered by injection and some can be given in the form of nasal drops. The nasal vaccines do appear to create a higher level of protection. While no vaccine is perfect, these vaccines do seem to be very effective at minimising kennel cough. While kennel cough, in most cases is a relatively minimal problem for our dogs, it has the potential to become chronic and has the capacity to spread very quickly in a group situation.
All of us with dogs need to be conscious of how to prevent this disease and how to limit its transmission if we are to be fair to our own dogs as well as the other dogs and handlers that we come in contact with at shows.
Some natural treatments for boosting the immune system and fighting off infection:
Vitamins:
Herbal Tinctures:
Other:
For directly combating the kennel cough virus:
Homeopathic remedies:
For soothing throat irritation:
N.B. ALWAYS CONSULT A QUALIFIED VETERINARY SURGEON IF YOU ARE AT ALL WORRIED ABOUT
YOUR DOG’S HEALTH
One of the ongoing risks for our dogs is exposure to kennel cough, otherwise known as “Infectious Tracheobronchitis”. Kennel cough can be caused by a number of viruses as well as bacteria. Frequently the disease is in fact caused by a canine combination of these two types of organisms. Primary among the viruses are Canine adenovirus type 1 and 2, as well as Canine Parainfluenza virus.
Probably the single most important organism in causing kennel cough is a bacteria called Bordaltella Bronchiseptica. A dog that has contracted one or more of these organisms will develop a very significant infection and inflammation of the trachea and the bronchi. The onset of symptoms can be in as little as four to five days or as long as two weeks after exposure, however, the broad majority of dogs will become symptomatic in seven to ten days post exposure.
The most common symptom is typically a deep honking type cough that develops abruptly. In of many cases the cough is non-productive and it will appear that the dog is retching. These dogs will usually have paroxysms of coughing followed by intervals of minimal coughing. The coughing can be exacerbated by drinking water, activity increases, or when exposed to temperature differentials, (e.g, when going from a warm environment into a cool one or vice versa).
Most dogs with kennel cough will act normally except for the coughing and will have a normal appetite. Occasionally a mild to moderate temperature elevation will occur (up to 105° F) and there may be a nasal discharge as well as a decrease in appetite. Treatment in most dogs is not necessary as the infection will subside on its own within seven to ten days. However, some dogs continue coughing for up to two to three weeks. If the symptoms are severe it is appropriate to medicate. If the cough is productive and not interfering with the dogs ability to rest, the cough should be allowed to continue as it helps rid the airways of inflammatory and infective debris. If the cough is productive but so persistent that the dog cannot get comfortable, or if it is not productive, the use of cough suppressants is indicated.
The use of some honey on a piece of bread ,or using a human over the counter cough suppressant syrup may sometimes be enough to quiet the coughing down to an acceptable level. If further suppression is required your veterinarian should be able to provide you with an appropriate medication. Antibiotics are appropriate if the symptoms are severe, and particularly if the temperature is elevated for more than two or three days, bear in mind that the antibiotics will only be effective against any bacterial causative agents.
The viruses will have to be taken care of by the bodies normal defence mechanisms just as in you or I. If medications do not help within several days, or if the symptoms worsen or reoccur, then re-evaluation of the diagnosis is certainly warranted. The type of cough seen with kennel cough can also be present in some severe respiratory diseases that will require a more in depth diagnostic plan and therapeutic regimen. Preventing other dogs from contracting this disease once it is present requires isolating the affected dog stringently. The organisms that are responsible are spread primarily on small water droplets in the air, but direct contact between dogs and with areas that are contaminated by sputum can also serve as a source of contagion.
It is usually recommended to owners that an affected dog not be allowed to contact other dogs until there has been no coughing for at least seven to ten days. To prevent transmission in kennel settings and at home you should isolate the affected dog and increase the ventilation within the kennel to the point that you are exchanging the air twelve to fifteen times per hour. You should try to keep the humidity to less than 50% if possible. Kennels, crates and dishes should be cleaned vigorously with disinfectants and allowed to dry thoroughly before their next use. In short, increasing airflow and dryness will help a great deal with this problem.
Vaccines may help prevent kennel cough. Some of these vaccines can be administered by injection and some can be given in the form of nasal drops. The nasal vaccines do appear to create a higher level of protection. While no vaccine is perfect, these vaccines do seem to be very effective at minimising kennel cough. While kennel cough, in most cases is a relatively minimal problem for our dogs, it has the potential to become chronic and has the capacity to spread very quickly in a group situation.
All of us with dogs need to be conscious of how to prevent this disease and how to limit its transmission if we are to be fair to our own dogs as well as the other dogs and handlers that we come in contact with at shows.
Some natural treatments for boosting the immune system and fighting off infection:
Vitamins:
- 500 mg vitamin C - 3 times daily (250 mg for tiny dogs) (If you already supplement with vitamin C great! But this is in addition to the regular daily dose and is spaced out during the day).
Herbal Tinctures:
- Echinacea (give a few drops 3 times daily either directly into mouth or on food).
- Goldenseal (same instructions as Echinacea)
Other:
- Colloidal silver (give just a drop or two, 3 times daily. May be mixed with food or put into drinking water)
For directly combating the kennel cough virus:
Homeopathic remedies:
- Bryonia (give 1-2 pellets 3 times daily, allow no food for 10 minutes before and after the dose. Most health food stores sell homeopathic remedies In the 6X or 6C potency, which is fine for use. If you have a choice of Potencies, ask for 30C, which is a bit stronger. Homeopathy works when the correct remedy is matched to the correct symptoms, regardless of the potency of the remedy.
- Drosera (same instructions)
For soothing throat irritation:
- Honey (about a teaspoon for a small to medium dog, a tablespoon for a larger dog 3 times a day)
- Eliminate exposure to second hand smoke.
- Maintain humidity in the environment.
N.B. ALWAYS CONSULT A QUALIFIED VETERINARY SURGEON IF YOU ARE AT ALL WORRIED ABOUT
YOUR DOG’S HEALTH
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