Kennel Cough - Is your dog protected?

As a responsible pet owner, it's important to protect your furry family members from potential illnesses. One of the most common illnesses that dogs can contract is kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection. In this article, we'll discuss what kennel cough is, how to protect your dog from it, the risks associated with it, and the importance of preventing this illness.

What is Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough, also known as canine infectious respiratory disease or bordetellosis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection in dogs. It's caused by a variety of different viruses and bacteria, but the most common culprit is the bacterium called Bordetella bronchiseptica. Symptoms of kennel cough include a persistent cough, hacking, and retching. Dogs with kennel cough may also have a fever, nasal discharge, and loss of appetite. It's important to note that kennel cough can be serious, especially in young puppies, elderly dogs, or those with weakened immune systems.

Causes of Kennel Cough

Kennel cough is most commonly spread through airborne droplets or direct contact with an infected dog. Dogs that are frequently in contact with other dogs, such as those in kennels, dog parks, and grooming facilities, are at a higher risk of contracting kennel cough. The disease can also spread through contact with contaminated objects, such as toys or water bowls.

Dogs are at a higher risk of contracting kennel cough in certain areas, such as boarding kennels, doggy daycares, and grooming facilities. These places have a high concentration of dogs, which increases the likelihood of exposure to the disease. It's important to research and choose reputable facilities that follow proper cleaning and disinfection protocols to reduce the risk of kennel cough transmission.

Kennel cough can lead to potential complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis, especially in dogs with weakened immune systems. Treatment for kennel cough can also be costly, with antibiotics and cough suppressants being the most common treatment options. Additionally, kennel cough can significantly impact your dog's quality of life, causing discomfort and distress.

Responsible dog ownership

As a responsible dog owner, it's important to understand the importance of vaccinating your dog against kennel cough. Socialization is also important for dogs to help them become more comfortable around other dogs, reducing the risk of stress and illness. Being aware of the risks of kennel cough and taking preventative measures can help keep your dog healthy and happy.

Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can impact your dog's quality of life. Vaccination and preventative measures can reduce the risk of transmission and complications associated with kennel cough. As a responsible dog owner, it's important to take action to protect your furry family members from this potentially dangerous disease.

At Bed n Biskit, we clean/sanitize all rooms and runs every single day. Dog bowls and water dishes are cleaned between uses and boarders. All of our clients are required to keep up-to-date shot records to use our facility. We do our best to ensure the health and safety of your pets while they are in our care, against kennel cough or any other potential dangers.