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.
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