Let’s Talk About…
Canine Cough
One of the public relations
problems for boarding kennels today is caused by a much misunderstood disease
in dogs called “canine cough,” tracheobronchitis, or often improperly referred
to as “kennel cough.” As a dog owner you
should be aware of some of the facts about this disease.
What is “Canine Cough?”
Infectious tracheobronchitis is a
highly contagious, upper-respiratory disease, which is spread by an airborne
virus. The incubation period of the
disease is roughly 3 to 7 days. The
main symptom is a hacking cough, sometimes accompanied by sneezing and nasal
discharge, which can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Although this coughing is very annoying, it
does not usually develop into anything more serious. However, just as with common cold, it can lower the dog’s
resistance to other disease making him susceptible to secondary infections, and
so he must be observed closely to avoid complications.
How is it cured?
Just as in the case of the common
cold, tracheobronchitis is not “cured” but must run its course. Many times antibiotics will be prescribed to
prevent secondary infection, and sometimes cough suppressants will be
prescribed to reduce excessive coughing, but these medications do not attack
the disease itself.
Does tracheobronchitis occur only in kennels?
No. Since these viruses can be present anywhere, and can travel for
considerable distances through the air, they can affect any dog … even one
which never leaves its own back yard.
But tracheobronchitis is more likely to occur when the concentration of
dogs is greater such as at a dog show, kennel, veterinarian offices and
hospitals as well as pet shops. Dogs
can also be exposed while running loose or while being walked near other dogs,
or playing in the park.
But aren’t the chances of catching it greater when a
dog is in a kennel?
Yes … because, in a kennel, a dog
encounters two conditions that do not exist at home… proximity to a number of
potentially contagious dogs, and the stress and excitement of a less familiar
environment, which can result in lowered resistance to disease (these same
factors explain why children are more likely to catch the flu in school, rather
than at home). But the more frequently
a dog boards at a kennel, the greater are the chances that he will acquire an
immunity to the disease. Even during a
widespread outbreak, only a fairly small percentage of exposed dogs are
affected.
Are these viruses a constant problem?
No. Tracheobronchitis, like the flu, is often seasonal. It also tends to be epidemic. When veterinarians begin to see cases, they
normally come from every kennel in town, as well as from individual dog owners
whose dogs were not kenneled at all.
When the outbreak is over, they might not see another case for months.
Can my dog be vaccinated to protect him against
tracheobronchitis?
Yes! Vaccines against Para influenza and adenovirus type 2 (in
combination with other vaccines) are routinely used as part of an adult dog’s
yearly check up. Puppies are usually
vaccinated for these in combination with distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus
in a series of immunizations. It is
important to not that the vaccines that are used to prevent this viral disease
are made form one strain of over 100 different strains of the virus and
therefore are not as effective against some strains as others. Some strains are not included in any
vaccine; therefore, there is no prevention against them. Intra-nasal vaccines are also available for
Bordetella bronchiseptica (another cause of canine cough). Although some veterinary practices do not
use this vaccination routinely, it should be considered for pets that board or
for those whose veterinarian recommends it.
Your veterinarian is in the best position to recommend a program of preventive
health care management depending on your pet’s needs.
Can’t the kennel prevent my dog from catching
tracheobronchitis?
Unfortunately, no amount of
supervision, sanitation, or personalized care can prevent a dog from “catching”
an airborne virus. All that a good
boarding kennel can do is to recommend immunization against tracheobronchitis,
refuse to board any obviously sick dog, listen and watch for any signs of
sickness, and make sure that any dog requiring veterinary attention receives it
as quickly as possible. (Strangely, the
dog with Para influenza alone may not appear ill, yet is contagious.) You have a right to expect a kennel to
provide the best possible care just as a kennel has a right to expect you to
accept financial responsibility for such care.
Your American Boarding Kennels Association member is devoted to your
pet’s well being. Look for his
membership certificate proudly displayed.
Courtesy of:
A nonprofit organization
dedicated to the betterment of the pet care industry
American Boarding kennels
Association
1702 E. Pikes Peak Ave.
Colorado Springs, Co 80909
Ph: 719-667-1600 / Fax:
719-667-0116
e-mail: info@abka.com