Dog Kennel Cough

An imprecise term which has been used for a number of diseases in dogs which are characterized by bronchitis and caused by a variety of infectious agents. Kennel Cough in dogs will stimulate a coarse, dry, hacking cough about 3 to 7 days after the dog is initially infected. It sounds as if the dog needs to "clear it's throat" and the cough will be triggered by any extra activity or exercise. Many dogs that acquire Kennel Cough will cough every few minutes, all day long. Their general state of health and alertness will be unaffected; they usually have no rise in temperature, and do not lose their appetite.

Coughing is also a common issue among people, young or old. But when it comes to dogs, it is called kennel cough. This is a common problem in the world of dog health, but why the name? The name itself originated from how dogs in the same kennel can quickly acquire an infection. When this happens, inflammation on the upper respiratory system occurs to the dogs. As for other dogs inside the kennel, they also can easily catch the same virus and bacteria simply through the airborne droplets from the initially infected dog.

Most cases of dog kennel cough are mild and do not change the dog's overall health or physical condition. The cough though can be irritating to the dog as it is persistent and the dog will cough every few minutes throughout the day. The use of antibiotics can be used to quicken the healing process but in the majority of cases most dogs will recover without it. Kennel cough can last up to three weeks

Like colds in human's dog kennel cough can be transmitted. Because the germ is carried through the air and can be inhaled by other dogs it can cause infections in other dogs, especially if the other dog is susceptible to the microbes. If the dog is sharing a kennel then the disease can be spread very quickly amongst the other dogs (hence the name kennel cough). But it can be acquired anytime and anywhere from an infected dog.

Doing precautionary measures for your dog's health, even before an infection starts to develop or symptoms to occur, is worth it to save you, the dog owner, from experiencing all the hassle and trouble that might result when your precious dog would be infected and experience kennel cough.