6 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT KENNEL COUGH

1. Does Kennel cough have another name?

Yes, kennel cough can  also be called Infectious tracheobronchitis or Canine infectious respiratory disease

2. Does Kennel cough affect all dogs?

Yes, it is a highly contagious respiratory infection among dogs. This disease is known throughout the world and infects a high percentage of dogs. It is thought that it will affect most dogs at least once in its life time. Kennel cough mostly affect Unvaccinated, young, elderly or immunocompromised dogs might experience the most severe signs of the disease.

3. What causes Kennel cough?

 It is infectious in nature, it is often associated with both bacterial and viral pathogens which include the following, but not limited to

 a. Parainfluenza virus

 b. Adenovirus

 C. Canine respiratory coronavirus

 d. Canine herpesvirus

 e. Canine distemper virus

 f. Canine influenza virus

 g. Bordetella bronchiseptica

 h. Mycoplasma spp.

 i. treptococcus zooepidemicuCan

4. How does my dog get infected with Kennel Cough?

Your dog can contact Kennel cough the inhaling infectious agents from the air, this usually occur when infected dogs are kept together with non-infected ones. The coughing and sneezing of the affected dogs cause droplets containing the bacteria/virus to spread into the air which can then be inhaled by other dogs. The bacteria/virus may also live outside the body and can be found on toys, bowls etc. waiting for an unsuspecting dog to have a drink or play with a toy.

5. What are the signs to look out for?

Dogs infected with Kennel cough present the following signs (but not restricted to)

1. Dry hacking cough sometimes may sound like honking Retching 

2. Watery nasal discharge

3. In mild cases most dogs are active and eating normally

4. In severe cases symptoms can progress into decreased appetite, fever, lethargy pneumonia and sometimes even death.

5. Can we prevent kennel cough? And how?

Yes, the most effective way to prevent the contraction of the disease is vaccination; this minimizes your dog’s chances of contracting the disease.

Other steps to limit your dog’s exposure may include:

1. Ensure your dog stays fit and healthy. 

2. Avoid stress and extreme increase in temperature. This will strengthen the immune system.

3. Ensure your dog is kept in a well-ventilated area and reduce the contact your dog has with strange dogs, especially in enclosed spaces.

4. Avoid taking your dog to boarding kennels or large gatherings of dogs in enclosed spaces, unless the organization has a kennel cough vaccination policy in place.