09/23/2019
Public service announcement.
We have treated several pups that have displayed signs of kennel cough. Please have your pet vaccinated. Vaccination is not always a prevention, however, it can diminish the severity and length of the infection. It is best to vaccinate at least 3 weeks prior to boarding, doggie daycare and or visits with other pups .
See below:
WHAT IS KENNEL COUGH?
Kennel Cough (or Canine Cough) is an upper respiratory infection caused by both a bacteria and a virus. It is also known as Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC) and Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis as it affects the dog’s lungs, windpipe and voice box.
Although Kennel Cough is highly contagious and extremely uncomfortable, it usually can only be life-threatening in young puppies, geriatric dogs, and immune compromised dogs.
WHAT CAUSES KENNEL COUGH?
Kennel Cough is caused by several infectious agents, many of which plague the dog simultaneously.
The most common is a bacteria called Bordetella Bronchiseptica (this is why you may also hear Kennel Cough be referred to as Bordetella). If the infection is caused solely by this bacterium, symptoms normally last for only 10 days. However, the dog continues to shed the disease for 6-14 weeks.
In the majority of cases, Kennel Cough is caused by a combination of both the Bordetalla bacterium and highly infectious viruses such as Canine Distemper or Canine Influenza. The viruses not only weaken the dog’s immune system to make them more susceptible to Bordetella, but they also attack the cells in the respiratory tract. This puts the dog’s trachea (windpipe) and larynx (voicebox) in harm’s way.
It’s important to note that some dogs are carriers of this disease but show no symptoms themselves. However, whenever they come in contact with other dogs they are exposing them to Canine Cough, putting them at high risk for infection.
HOW IS KENNEL COUGH TRANSMITTED?
Kennel Cough is primarily transmitted through the air
Spread through the air.
Kennel Cough, an airborne disease, is primarily spread through the air. When an infected dog coughs, sneezes, barks, or even sheds dander – just once – he releases thousands of microscopic contaminates into the air. The aerosolized bacteria and viruses can remain viable (alive and able to infect) in the air for up to 2 weeks on tiny dust particles, traveling throughout the environment until inhaled by another host. Once ingested, these agents begin to wreak havoc within the upper respiratory tract.
Kennel Cough can be transmitted by contact with contaminated objects
Contact with contaminated objects.
If an infected dog drinks from a watering dish, picks up a toy or stick, or hikes his leg on a post, and another dog comes in contact with these objects, he will most likely contract Kennel Cough. Bacterium like Bordetella can survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours, ready and waiting to be transmitted to another unsuspecting host to continue the cycle of infection.
Direct contact between dogs can transmit Canine Cough easily
Direct contact with infected dogs.
Be careful who your dog associates with and where he hangs out! Touching noses, sniffing butts, or just breathing the same air as an infected dog can cause your best friend to develop Kennel Cough. Dog daycare and dog boarding facilities, kennels, veterinary hospitals, dog grooming and other pet businesses where numerous dogs are coming and going or kept in close quarters, must take extra precautions to protect their facilities from the transmission of Kennel Cough. If a dog is suspected to have this illness, he must be isolated immediately.
WHAT ARE KENNEL COUGH SYMPTOMS LIKE?
Although Kennel Cough in dogs is not fatal, it does cause symptoms that make an infected dog quite miserable. The most common symptoms of Kennel Cough include:
1. A dry, hacking cough. This is a classic symptom. The cough is generally dry (although sometimes mucous can be expelled) and may be described as a “honking” noise. The cough is constant, persistent, and can be unsettling. Some dogs may experience a coughing fit every few minutes. Others may constantly be coughing as they are walking, lying down, or going about their daily activities. The cough is probably the most uncomfortable aspect for dogs (as can be seen and heard).
2. Fever. If the dog develops a fever, he probably has contracted a more severe form of the disease. Some dogs with Canine Cough appear perfectly normal and healthy, other than the fact that they are coughing all the time. But a low-grade fever indicates that his body is hard at work trying to fight off infection.
3. Lethargy. Not all dogs with this illness appear lethargic. Some do, while others appear perfectly normal. If the dog is lethargic, he will have decreased energy, poor appetite, lack of interest in activities he is usually excited about, minimal motivation, etc.
4. Discharge. Nasal discharge and watery, runny eyes are a common symptom of Kennel Cough. In most cases, the discharge will be clear but sometimes it can be slightly cloudy or discolored, the latter of which is usually a sign of secondary infection.
While these Kennel Cough symptoms may not sound like much to be concerned about – after all, don’t we all have these symptoms when we’re suffering from a harmless little cold? – they are taking a major toll on your dog’s body and his mental state.
If you suspect that your dog may have contracted this illness, have him seen by a vet immediately – don’t delay!
HOW LONG DOES KENNEL COUGH LAST?
Most dogs recover from Kennel Cough within 3-4 weeks. If a dog has a compromised immune system, is a young puppy or a senior, it may take up to 6 weeks for a complete recovery. However, the dog may still be a carrier of the disease for several weeks after he has recovered. The answer to exactly how long Kennel Cough lasts truly depends on the individual dog, but 3-6 weeks is a common time frame. .
HOW CAN KENNEL COUGH BE PREVENTED?
For pet parents, an experience with Kennel Cough can be costly. It requires a tremendous amount of time, frequent trips to the veterinarian, medication and research.
For pet care facilities, the concern goes well beyond simply cost. The consequences of an outbreak can be much more devastating. Pet care facilities who experience an outbreak of Kennel Cough in dogs may need to temporarily shut-down. This means a loss in revenue, customer satisfaction, and the businesses’ reputation. Clients, repeat business, and referrals are lost. Although the Kennel Cough outbreak may not be any fault of the facility itself, the effects can greatly handicap both the business and its income stream.
This is why prevention is the best option and here’s how it can be done:
For Pet Care Facilities
For Pet Parents
How pet care facilities can prevent Kennel Cough
There are two ways you can protect your animal care business by being proactive in the prevention of Kennel Cough.
Both of these methods are critical and both should be used.
1) Rigorous disinfection routine. Everything must be thoroughly disinfected regularly. Bowls and dishes, kennels, tables, toys, all equipment, etc. should be sterilized regularly using surface disinfectants. This is the first step in prevention, yet it can only offer so much protection against Kennel Cough in dogs.
Learn about PetAirapy’s surface disinfectant systems to prevent Kennel Cough.
2) Sanitize the air. Every kennel, shelter, rescue, veterinary clinic, grooming salon, pet shop with live animal sales, breeder, or other animal care facility should have a proper air-purification system to exterminate the bacteria and viruses floating through the air.
Remember, airborne transmission is the primary way Canine Kennel Cough is spread. And, the bacteria can survive on dust particles and dander for quite some time.
For true effectiveness, facilities require an air-purification system that is designed and tested against pet pathogens specifically for pet care facilities. These type of systems kill or deactivate the DNA of harmful and infectious micro-organisms brought into your building before they have a chance to wreak havoc.
Learn about PetAirapy’s HVAC installed air-disinfectant systems and wall/ceiling mounted air-disinfectant systems.
HOW IS KENNEL COUGH TREATED?
We are not veterinarians and are not providing medical advice of any kind. Consult your veterinarian for Kennel Cough treatments.
