Canine infectious tracheobronchitis, also known as kennel cough, is a respiratory disease that is highly contagious. Dogs often contract kennel disease at places where large amounts of dogs congregate, such as dog shows, boarding and/or daycare facilities and dog parks. The disease can be spread from one dog to another through direct contact, airborne droplets or contaminated surfaces. Kennel cough is treatable in most dogs, but the disease may be more severe in young puppies and/or immunocompromised dogs. It is essential that if your dog seeks medical treatment at a Burbank veterinarian at the first sign of symptoms.
Symptoms of Kennel Cough
A strong cough, which sounds “forced” is the first and most obvious symptom. Keep in mind that coughing may be the sign of other health problems, so it is important to take your dog to a Burbank vet for an examination in order to rule other illnesses as well as to seek treatment for kennel cough. Along with coughing, symptoms may include:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Low fever
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
How Does a Burbank Veterinarian Treat Kennel Cough?
A mild case of kennel cough is generally treated with a couple of weeks of rest, but your Burbank vet may also prescribe antibiotics in order to prevent the risk of a secondary infection. Cough medicine may also be prescribed to help ease the symptoms of coughing. Your vet may prescribe nebulizer and/or vaporizer treatments to help reduce the symptoms and speed recovery. If you have more than one dog, to prevent spreading the disease, separate them as much as possible and do not allow them to use each other’s food and water bowls.
Get In Touch With Our Local Veterinarian Today
One of the first steps in prevention is to have your dog vaccinated for the Bordetella bacterium, which is the primary agent that causes kennel cough. Your Burbank vet can provide the vaccine in oral, injectable or intranasal forms. It is typically given in two doses that are 2-4 weeks apart and a booster is given every six months to a year.
Contact Rainbow Vet Hospital to schedule your dog’s vaccinations, including the vaccine to prevent kennel cough.
