My Dog is Coughing, What's Wrong?
March 31st 2010 14:43
If your dog has a dry, hacking cough, it's probably kennel cough. The illness can affect dogs and puppies. It's common among dogs and puppies in shelters or puppies from large breeders or puppy mills who do not keep their facilities properly cleaned and disinfected.
Even though Kennel Cough is a common illness among dogs in shelters, your dog can develop the illness if he been your pet for years. All your dog has to do is come into contact with another dog that has the illness, and he can contract it. The bacteria is airborne and can travel.
It is recommended that you get your dog vaccinated against kennel cough in attempts to prevent it. Your dog may still contract the illness, but with the bordatella vaccination, you will definitely minimize the risk of development.
How To Treat Canine Kennel Cough
Kennel cough can develop into pneumonia, so it is very important that if you think your dog has the illness, you see a veterinarian for diagnosis and proper treatment.
Common places for your dog to contract kennel cough include:
* Anywhere there are other dogs, to include a friends out or on the street for a daily walk
* Dog boarding facility
* Dog day care
* Dog groomer
* Dog park
* Pet store
* Vet
It makes sense that if your dog has kennel cough, to seclude him from other dogs, but it can take 5 to 10 days before you notice any signs, which is how many people accidentally expose other dogs to the illness by taking their already infected dog out in public.
Many vets, groomers, and boarding facilities will ask for a recent proof of vaccination certificate to verify whether the dog has been vaccinated against the bacteria. The Bordatella vaccination isn't a required by law vaccination in all states, but it is highly recommended before kenneling your dog for any length of time.
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