| The
“kennel cough” is also referred to as the bordetella. This highly
communicable disease may be caused by either a pathogenic bacteria
or a sinister virus. The bacteria also bear the name “bordetella”.
While the virus may be the para-influenza virus or the canine
adenovirus. The latter can also cause hepatitis.
The microorganisms
may come from anywhere, but the most common source is their
hosts. That is, a pet dog can contract the kennel cough when
exposed to another dog who already has the disease. The microorganisms
usually travel towards the respiratory system where they spread
and multiply, causing the pet dog to cough.
The cough is often
described as deep, extremely bothersome, painfully dry, and
almost constant. An infected dog loses his concentration, his
appetite, and his usual vibrant disposition.
An outbreak of kennel
cough happens when several dogs are lumped together in a relatively
small space. That is, many dogs stay in one kennel, thus the
term “kennel cough”. This happens in many animal shelters and
even in dog shows.
The virus is spread
each time an infected dog coughs and spits out fluids from his
beleaguered upper respiratory system. Then, the coughing begins
a few days after the exposure.
To prevent kennel
cough, a dog must be vaccinated, especially when the owner plans
to bring the dog to places where there are other dogs, such
as a training session or a dog competition. Of course, when
the dog will never mingle closely with other dogs, the bordetella
vaccination may not be necessary.
When the pet dog
is suffering from kennel cough, it must be brought to the vet
and be given immediate treatment. The treatment is usually a
combination of antibiotics and cough suppressants. The antibiotics
will help the dog’s immune system slow down and eventually vanquish
the viruses, while the cough suppressants will prevent the further
spread of the disease.
Once the treatment
is administered, the dog must be monitored for any deterioration
of health. Most of the time, the antibiotics are effective.
That is, after ten days or two weeks, the coughs will eventually
cease and the dog has surpassed the affliction.
The kennel cough
is typically a disease among dogs, but in some cases, the cats
may also be afflicted. The symptom in cats is the same: a hacking
dry cough. Aside from cats, there are no reported cases of other
pets, such as rabbits, being afflicted by kennel cough.
Humans remain unaffected
by either the bacteria or the viruses that cause the kennel
cough. Thus, the pet owners of dogs or cats need not worry about
getting too close to their coughing pets. Some vets, though,
cautions pet owners to stay at a certain distance. The virus,
after all, is a vicious pathogen that easily mutates. |
