Dog Kennel Cough Symptoms
" Dog kennel cough symptoms are most notably a dry, hacking cough. Each dog cough can be accompanied by gagging and even some vomit. Other symptoms from secondary infections include fever and lethargy. Treatment includes cough medications and antibiotics for infection. Homeopathic and home remedies such as honey can provided another level of support. "
Dog kennel cough symptoms (infectious trachea bronchitis) are most
often characterized by its most prominent symptom; a harsh, dry out
burst sounding cough. Each cough is usually followed with clear vomit
and some gagging. Dogs with this condition feel choked in their throat
they have the feeling that the wind pipe is blocked. A sign of kennel
cough is if coughing occurs when your veterinarian palpitates (gently
touches) the wind pipe and a cough occurs.
Dog Kennel Cough Symptoms
Affec the Upper
Respiratory System Causing Cough and Gagging
Kennel cough may lead to severe complications such as difficulty breathing, fever, systemic illness, purulent nasal discharge & severe anorexia (an avoidance of food). As they eat dogs feel choked during respiration (breathing). When they ingest food, the swallowing and then food passing through the esophagus exerts pressure on the already congested wind pipe, causing the dog to avoid food.
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Other symptoms of dog kennel cough include restlessness, appearing emaciated (thin, unhealthy), and a dull coat. The symptom of greatest concern of course is the persistent cough, which initially is dry or non – productive, but may appear as moist or as a productive cough in secondary complications (triggered by other problems in the body).
General Symptoms of Dog Kennel Cough:
Dog kennel cough is a contagious disease with a
high likelihood of spreading to other dogs that come in direct contact
with the infected dog. Kennel cough is usually termed as a symptom for
a growing respiratory complication in dogs. Dry and persistent cough
followed by severe choking and gagging is common. A cough which
persists longer then 5 – 6 days should be suspected for kennel cough.
Dogs feel anorexia (difficulty in respiration), while the cough makes
it very uncomfortable for your dog, making dogs feel restless and
lethargic (tired).
Canine kennel cough is associated with infections caused by bacteria
and viruses such as Bordetella bronchiseptica, adenoviruses,
distemper and Para influenza viruses etc.
Generalized symptoms include appearing emaciated,
fever, loss of appetite and severe weakness.
Symptoms of Kennel Cough in Puppies:
When a puppy is under 6 months of age their immune system is not fully developed. At birth, puppies are born with an inherited immunity from the mother which then is replaced by its' own. As they grow, they lose the immunity they inherited and develop their own. This is why young dogs under age 6 months can contract kennel cough. When a puppy isn't vaccinated, it can get the disease within 1 to 2 days after exposure (incubation). Symptoms are similar to those described above such as a harsh and dry cough. Other symptoms of kennel cough in puppies include tired behavior, appearing exhausted and emaciation (thin, weak, unhealthy appearance).
From the repeated coughing and choking, a puppy
may vomit. Anorexia is frequent & occurs with every coughing
session, leaving the puppy gagging & retching. Moist or
productive cough, purulent nasal discharge and severe generalized signs
as fever, illness, emaciation & lethargic puppy represents
secondary complications associated with infections such as broncho
pneumonia (secondary refers to a problem that is the result of a
primary problem such as the kennel cough).
Diagnosis and Clinical Observations of Dog Kennel Cough Symptoms:
Clinically, kennel cough can be initiated by gentle palpation (touching) of the trachea or wind pipe. Initially, the temperature and number of white blood cells appears normal. Clinical signs of kennel cough may persist for 5 – 7 days, but the period of disease usually lasts for 10 – 20 days, depending upon treatment, care & management.
Symptomatic Treatment of Dog Kennel Cough Symptoms:
Symptomatically, dog kennel cough primarily requires control over the cough. The cough can be reduced or controlled by different options such as suppressants and expectorants like codeine, hydrocodone, corticosteroids etc. A natural remedy such as raw honey is very effective as it soothes the respiratory channel up to throat.
You can also provide an extra level of support by adding a homeopathic supplement to your dog's regimen such as Pet Alive K-C Defense Formula which contains natural ingredients selected for respiratory care in dogs. They are also a good resource for additional research on kennel cough in dogs care.
Broncho Dilators can be of help in broadening the respiratory passage and may be helpful in reducing the cough, which is due to blockage in the bronchus and trachea. This is usually seen in a secondary infection of bordetella especially in puppies.
Precautions of Dog Kennel Cough Treatment:
Steroids like morphine can suppress the initial cough, but care should be taken while treating severe infections, where antibiotics are administered.
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References for Dog Kennel Cough Symptoms
