La canine infectious tracheobronchitis, more commonly known as "kennel cough", is a pathology that affects the respiratory system and It usually develops in places where a large number of dogs live, such as kennels or kennels. This fact was what gave rise to the popular name of the condition.
In the past, this disease only occurred in those kennels or farms with inadequate hygienic conditions. However, with the increase in animal shelters, shelters for abandoned pets, dog walkers, dog shows and, in general, places where a large number of dogs are concentrated, the pathology has spread more rapidly due to to its high rate of contagion, and not so much due to inappropriate conditions. If you suspect that your dog has been infected, continue reading this article on our site and discover the symptoms and treatment of kennel cough
What is canine infectious tracheobronichitis?
Kennel cough is a pathology of a viral nature, highly contagious, usually caused by the parainfluenza virus (PIC) or canine adenovirus type 2, agents that weaken the respiratory tract and, as a consequence, facilitate the entry of opportunistic bacteria such as Bordetella bronchiseptica (Bb), producing a bacterial infection and worsening the animal's clinical condition. However, there have also been cases in which the disease has developed due to the sole presence of the bacteria. Likewise, these are not the only causes of kennel cough, since there have also been cases of herpesvirus and even the virus that causes canine distemper.
In this way, we see how this pathology directly affects the respiratory system, producing an infection that can be more or less serious, depending on the agents that act, the external conditions and the time that the infected dog has been. To get a better idea of the type of illness we are dealing with, we could say that kennel cough is very similar to the flu that humans get.
This is an increasingly common condition among dogs, it is not serious and can be eradicated with simple medical treatment.
How is kennel cough spread?
As we mentioned at the beginning, the most common thing is that kennel cough develops in places where a significant number of dogs live. In these cases, controlling the disease is much more difficult than when it is a particular and isolated case.
As with the flu, this pathology is spread through the oral and nasal routes Once the animal has been infected, viral agents can be transmitted to another dog during the first two weeks, for the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica transmission can last up to three months. In this way, when a sick patient expels pathogenic germs through respiratory secretions, another he althy one who is close to him can acquire them and start developing the disease.
Puppies less than 6 months old are much more susceptible to this disease. Especially if we adopt a dog that has been exposed to significant stress situations, such as being locked in a cage, we must take special care and carefully observe if he presents any of the symptoms that we detail below.
In kennels, kennels, animal shelters, shelters with several dogs, etc., it is practically impossible to prevent the condition from spreading rapidly. Therefore, prevention is always the best solution. In the section dedicated to this point we will explain in detail how to prevent kennel cough.
On the other hand, there are no breeds more likely than others to contract kennel cough, however, there is a higher rate of contagion among puppies, elderly dogs, pregnant bitches or dogs. immunocompromised dogs.
Kennel Cough Symptoms
How to tell if your dog has kennel cough? Once infected, the dog will begin to experience a series of clearly identifiable symptoms. The most characteristic manifestation of this pathology is the appearance of a dry, hoarse, strong and constant cough, caused by the inflammation of the vocal cords.
In more advanced cases, the cough may be accompanied by a slight expectoration of secretions deposited in the respiratory system by germs pathogens. Such expulsion is often mistaken for mild vomiting or foreign body If possible, it is advisable to save a sample and take it to the vet for examination. In this way, in addition to analyzing the physical appearance of your dog, you will be able to study the secretion expelled and offer a better diagnosis. You should know that these moderate vomiting are not caused by stomach problems, remember that this disease only affects the respiratory system. They develop from the same inflammation and irritation of the throat produced by a dry cough.
The decay, general malaise, lack of appetite and energy are other symptoms of cough in female dogs. common. If you notice that your dog shows any of these signs, do not hesitate and go to the vet quickly. Although it is not a serious disease, it does require veterinary treatment to cure it and prevent it from getting worse.
And if secondary infections occur, the dog may have fever, weakness, eye and/or nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, etc.
In dogs provided by kennels, breeders or pet stores, exposed to stressful conditions, canine infectious tracheobronichitis may lead to pneumonia.
My dog has a dry cough and gags, is it kennel cough?
Dry cough and mild retching or vomiting are the main symptoms of kennel cough, so it's common think about this respiratory pathology when seeing these signs in the dog. Likewise, it is easy to confuse cough with retching, so, to clear up any doubts, it is best to visit the veterinarian to carry out the pertinent tests and determine if it is a case of canine infectious tracheobronchitis or not.
On the other hand, these signs do not only appear in a picture of kennel cough, but are common to multiple problems related to the respiratory system. For example, they happen due to pharyngitis, bronchitis and even distemper.
Kennel Cough Diagnosis
How to detect kennel cough? To diagnose this disease, the veterinarian will be based mainly on the symptoms, physical examination and history of the patient. In other words, if it is a puppy from a kennel or a kennel with a large number of dogs, it is most likely that he will suspect this pathology. Likewise, to guarantee the diagnosis, the specialist will request tests such as a blood test, a study of the secretions collected by the caregivers or an X-ray.
Kennel Cough Treatment
In particular cases, the first thing we must do is isolate the sick dog inside the home, in a room just for him for seven days at least, or the duration of the treatment. This step is essential to prevent the disease from spreading and infecting neighboring dogs.
Once isolated, the easiest way to control and eradicate kennel cough is using antibiotics and anti-inflammatories Depending on the condition of the dog and the progress of the disease, the veterinarian will choose to prescribe one type of medication or another. Since several viral agents can participate in the development of this pathology, it is practically impossible to determine a standard medical treatment suitable for all cases. The most advisable thing is to go to your usual veterinary clinic so that a specialist can determine which is the best treatment to cure kennel cough.
In dogs that show weakness and lack of appetite, we must ensure that they drink the minimum amount of water stipulated by the veterinarian for prevent dehydration, dilute secretions deposited in the respiratory tract and promote ventilation.
Kennel Cough in Puppies
Puppies are the most susceptible and likely to get kennel cough. For this reason, when adopting one, it is necessary to go to the veterinarian for a complete examination to confirm that the animal is in perfect condition. In addition, you will take the opportunity to start the vaccination and deworming schedule.
Although kennel cough in puppies is curable, if left untreated the animal could worsen to the point of death due to the intrusion of opportunistic bacteria and the development of secondary infections.
How long does kennel cough last?
There is no set period of time, since the recovery of the patient depends entirely on the pathogenic agent and the complications that may have arisen, such as the development of secondary infections, etc. If, for example, kennel cough has been caused by the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica, or this has worsened the clinical picture, the animal may take weeks or even months to recover, since this bacterium can remain in the respiratory system up to 3 months or more, especially if not fought.
Once treatment is started, if appropriate, curing kennel cough can take one to two weeks Of course, if you do not notice an improvement in the affected animal or observe serious side effects, it is necessary to go to the veterinarian immediately.
How to prevent kennel cough?
Without a doubt, the best way to treat any contagious disease is through prevention. In kennels, kennels, pet stores, etc., it is essential to have adequate hygiene and optimal general conditions to preserve the he alth of the dogs. When this fails, pathogens have an easier time developing and starting to spread disease.
On the other hand, there is a vaccine for kennel cough, designed to protect the dog from this specific pathology, the Bb+PIC However, the kennel cough vaccine is not available in all countries and, therefore, we cannot always use this preventive method. In this sense, it is essential to keep the schedule of mandatory vaccinations for dogs up to date, because although they do not prevent the appearance of kennel cough, they do help reduce symptoms and facilitate their cure.
Is the kennel cough vaccine effective?
Although the kennel cough vaccine is one of the main prevention measures, the truth is that does not guarantee that the animal will not contract itThus, a vaccinated dog can get infectious canine tracheobronchitis. However, it should be noted that, in general, the vaccine allows the disease to run much milder than in an unvaccinated dog, so it is much more likely to recover sooner or to suffer less severe symptoms. For this reason, especially in those dogs that live in communities, it is recommended to vaccinate.
Does kennel cough spread to humans?
Because of the rapidity with which this disease spreads, it is not surprising that many wonder if kennel cough is also contagious to humans. Well, since Bordetella bronchiseptica is related to Bordetella pertussis, the bacterium responsible for whooping cough in children, there are cases of both children and adults affected by this pathogen and, therefore, canine infectious tracheobronichitis is considered a zoonosis. However, the rare cases in which this happens have occurred in people with a very weakened immune system (immunosuppressants), such as HIV patients, patients who follow glucocorticoid-based therapy for a long period of time, etc.. Thus, we highlight, kennel cough rarely affects humans
