Kennel Cough NZ

What is Kennel Cough?

Kennel Cough (also known as Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis, or canine cough) is an acute, highly contagious respiratory tract disease of dogs caused by viral, bacterial or mycoplasma organisms. Therefore, most dog coughs will be classed as Kennel Cough.

Several organisms cause Kennel Cough, including but not limited to Canine Para Influenza Virus, Canine Adenoviruses type 1 and 2 and Canine Herpes Virus, but the primary most common organism and what the Kennel Cough vaccine is developed for is Bordatella Brochiseptica.

What happens to the body?

These infectious organisms infect and cause inflammation to the trachea, larynx, bronchial tree and lungs, causing irritation, coughing and increasing mucus secretions.

The coughing will be more severe upon lying down, making the animal appear restless, especially with a change of weather, atmospheric environment, or after exertion.

Is Kennel Cough dangerous?

Kennel Cough can affect dogs of any age and is self-limiting, which means most recover well. But it can be dangerous in young puppies, as it may progress to fatal bronchopneumonia, and also in immune-compromised or older dogs when it can progress to chronic bronchitis. In addition, coughing injury to the respiratory tract can lead to secondary bacterial infections from Bordatella Brochiseptica, Pseudomonas sp or Escherichia coli.

Is Kennel Cough contagious?

Yes, this respiratory infection is very contagious and is transmitted via dog-to-dog contact or contaminated surfaces such as bedding, food, water bowls and toys. The most common places of infections are where lots of dogs congregate, so kennels, daycares and dog parks.

Incubation time can be 3 to 10 days after initial contamination, and many dogs can carry it for several months without showing symptoms.

Kennel Cough symptoms

The main symptom will be your dog coughing, and they may have some or all of the below symptoms. The sudden onset of dry barking spasms of coughing can be productive or non-productive. Many people will describe this as a hacking cough, which may appear as if they have a bone stuck in the throat – this is one of the key symptoms of kennel cough.

what kennel cough in dogs sound like

Other Kennel Cough symptoms include:

• Nasal discharge (runny nose)
• Sneezing
• Eye discharge
• Lack of appetite
• Lethargy
• Depression

The dog will show signs of laryngitis, tracheitis and bronchitis. Kennel Cough is an upper respiratory tract disease, so if rattling in the lungs is heard, please seek veterinary advice. It’s important to keep your eye out for these dog cough symptoms. If your furry best friend has a rattling sound in their lungs, it is essential to seek veterinary advice.

Diagnosing Kennel Cough

Mostly Kennel Cough will be diagnosed by the symptoms that your dog presents. Your vet may take a sample to find out what organism is involved, but this won't help with the treatment for your dog.

What can you do to help?

• Lots of rest for at least a week in a dry, warm area is best. Good nutrition and lots of fluids (water) are also essential.
• Try to keep the dog away from other dogs, as it is very contagious.
• The animal may need antibiotics if it is a more severe case or if a secondary bacterial infection occurs.
• If a dog is not showing signs of recovery after three weeks, seek advice from your veterinarian. Dogs cough suppressants are available to soothe the forceful cough.

Natural remedies to help with Kennel Cough in NZ

Natural Pet has Canine Sniffles in our Tagiwig range, designed specifically for Kennel Cough, a dry hacking cough and respiratory inflammation. It can help prevent Kennel Cough when you think your dog has been exposed or assist when they have developed symptoms.

Another remedy that can help to support your dog is our Immune Tonic to help boost its immune system.

If they have had antibiotics, our Poly Bowel Plus will help restore and balance the gut, and our Liver Tonic (Hom) will support and cleanse the liver.

You can get veterinary vaccinations against Kennel Cough. If you are worried about these side effects for your dogs, check out our Vax Detox Kit Canine. It will detox your dog and assist with any long-term side effects. If they have reacted to their vaccination, don't hesitate to contact us, and we can discuss how we can help. When it comes to your dog’s cough in NZ, we’re here for you and your pet.

Shop our products for Kennel Cough remedies today!

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