Canine infectious tracheobronchitis, better known as kennel cough, is a pathology caused by the presence of certain viruses and bacteria in the respiratory system of animals such as dogs, wolves or foxes.
Its main symptom is the appearance of a continuous dry cough, usually accompanied by mucous and salivary secretions that make the nose and mouth the main sources of spread of the disease, along with food bowls, water bowls and canine toys.
That is the reason why this evil occurs with relative frequency in those spaces where a good number of furry people live., such as veterinary clinics, dog shows, shelters or kennels. Hence, dog flu is popularly known as kennel cough.
This is one of the different diseases that dogs usually suffer from. For both this and the rest, it is important that you stay informed, since there are certain situations or characteristics of some dogs that can make them more likely to suffer from them.
Symptoms of kennel cough
Although in most cases it does not cause notable problems, if it is not detected and treated in time, dog cough can end up generating new infections of different types.
The main symptoms of dog flu are:
- Dry cough
- arcades
- mild vomiting
Since these are three symptoms common to other diseases that affect the respiratory system, such as pharyngitis and bronchitis, it is important to go to the veterinarian as soon as possible so that he or she can carry out a series of tests to determine if the dog suffers from infectious tracheobronchitis or not.
The exam usually consists of a general review of the condition of the airways, paying special attention to the condition of the lungs. An analysis is also often carried out and a PCR test is carried out to take samples from the nose and throat.
Tests, all of these, that are necessary to be able to rule out all the pathologies that share symptoms with canine cough.
Treatment of kennel cough
Once canine tracheobronchitis has been diagnosed, it is very important to take the temperature of the animal every so often, since it is normal for this to be accompanied by an increase in body temperature.
In the event that a fever is detected or that the episodes of persistent cough do not stop , the veterinarian will proceed to prescribe a symptomatic pharmacological treatment and , most likely, another antibiotic to prevent other secondary infections from developing under the umbrella of canine flu. .
In the event that the dog suffers from eye discharge, the application of a special cream will be prescribed to help cut it. In addition to prescribing the drugs that the veterinarian considers necessary, he will remind you of the importance of carrying out a thorough cleaning of all those spaces in which the furry one usually moves.
In addition, until the dog is fully recovered , socialization with other animals should be avoided in order to prevent the spread of a pathology that is highly contagious.
How to prevent kennel cough
The best way to prevent the onset of canine flu is by maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in the home where the dog lives.
In the case of dog shelters, canine shelters, kennels or houses where several furry ones live, in addition, both the areas in which they move and their everyday objects must be disinfected on a regular basis . (feeders, drinkers or toys).
Like so many other infections that do not survive high temperatures, tracheobronchitis needs low temperatures and humidity to develop and spread. Hence, dog reserves located in colder latitudes must pay special attention to dog cough prevention efforts.
That said, the best way to prevent canine infectious tracheobronchitis is by using the two existing canine flu vaccines. These are:
- Canine parainfluenza virus + Bordetella bronchiseptica
- Canine parainfluenza virus + Canine adenovirus type 2 + Canine distemper virus
As the different investigations on this disease point out, it is normal to administer them after two months of life and to apply reminder doses throughout the life of the furry.
The first booster dose is applied one month after the first injection and regularly every two years thereafter.
If you do it this way, and take into account all the prevention factors that we have been indicating in this article, you will prevent your four-legged friend from contracting and suffering from a pathology as annoying as it is dangerous.
And it is that, as the always correct Spanish proverb points out, with kennel cough, as with other diseases, prevention is much better than cure.