Pets Get Sick Too
Kennel Cough
When animals are kept together they have a tendency to share airborne diseases. Respiratory illnesses can be among the illnesses found in dogs. Kennel cough usually announces itself by a persistent dry, hacking cough followed by choking, gagging and the occasional production of white foam. The cause can be bacterial (Bordetella bronchiseptica) or viral. It is not usually possible to determine the source of an outbreak. Treatment usually consists of the administration of antibiotics. With this treatment, Kennel cough is generally not life threatening.
If your dog is coughing, Veterinarians will likely examine your dog to rule out pneumonia or chronic bronchitis.
Please check with a veterinarian before you attempt to treat your dog so that a proper diagnosis and treatment regimen may be developed. Pneumonia is a very serious condition for your dog. Chronic bronchitis is relatively rare and not well understood. Kennel cough is thought to be linked to a hypersensitivity or allergic reaction and is not thought to have any connection with bronchitis. Because the kennel cough illness may be caught while boarding in a kennel, some vets will administer the Bordetella vaccine to pets about a week before their planned kennel stay as a preventative.
The Pet Assistance League spends a tremendous amount of funds each year caring for our Pet Friends. Even with generous discounts from local vetrinarians, the bills can stretch organization resources. Won't you please help defray the costs of caring for pets awaiting and readying for adoption by making a donation today? Here is a convenient link for you to contribute by credit card: