As a dog owner in Matthews, you understand how important it is to keep your furry friend healthy. But there are some ailments that are extremely common in canine companions, and kennel cough (canine Bordetella) is one of them.
Kennel cough is caused by a few different types of viruses, all of which can attack any dog who hasn’t been vaccinated against them. In this article, we’ll walk you through the basics you need to know to better understand this condition in your pet.
Symptoms of Kennel Cough in Matthews, NC
Some common symptoms of kennel cough include:
Persistent Coughing
Dogs who have kennel cough are prone to coughing, which is why it has been given its common name. The coughing caused by kennel cough generally sounds like a honking noise and is different from most other types of coughing in dogs. It is typical for the dog to hack up a white foamy mucus.
Sneezing and Runny Nose
Although not always, most dogs with kennel cough will also have sneezing and a runny nose along with the other symptoms.
Watery Eyes
Watery eyes are a less common symptom of kennel cough as well, but they can still occur, especially in dogs who have a severe case of this disease.
Reverse Sneezing
Most dogs do not reverse sneeze from kennel cough, but some do. Reverse sneezing is a type of sneezing dogs and cats sometimes do when they are sick, which sounds more like sucking in air than blowing air out.
Risk Factors of Kennel Cough in Matthews, NC
Risk factors that can lead to kennel cough include, but aren’t limited to:
Dogs Kept in Cold Temperatures
Dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors in the cold may be more prone to developing kennel cough. Cold air can also exacerbate a dog’s symptoms.
Dogs Who are Stressed
If your dog is stressed or very anxious, this can potentially make him more susceptible to illnesses such as kennel cough. Once again, stress can also aggravate the coughing.
Dogs Who are Exposed to Secondhand Smoke
Just like humans, dogs should not be exposed to secondhand smoke. If they are, it can cause their lung health to deteriorate.
Dogs Who are Kept in Kennels
The most common risk factor for dogs when it comes to kennel cough is staying in a kennel or boarding facility. Since this disease is extremely contagious, it can be quickly and easily spread in these close quarters.
Many dog boarding facilities in Matthews require that pets who stay with them are caught up on all of their vaccinations to help protect pets from getting sick.
Treatments for Kennel Cough in Matthews, NC
It’s very important to take your pet to the veterinarian if you think they may have contracted this illness.
Some treatment options that may be recommended for kennel cough include:
Antibiotics
Some types of kennel cough can be treated with antibiotics and others can’t. Your vet in Matthews will need to do some blood work to determine whether or not your dog should receive antibiotics.
Additionally, your dog may be given these medications if he shows signs of developing other infections due to the kennel cough.
Humidifiers
Some dogs recover more quickly or have less severe symptoms when they are allowed to sleep in a room with an active humidifier present. Just like humans, dogs can breathe more easily in air that is gently kept humid.
Time
For the most part, dogs usually only need time and a good chance to rest in order to recover from kennel cough. Think of it like a common cold in humans; sleep, fluids, and time are often the best ways to get over this illness.
Of course, as with any disease in your pet, your vet will give you more specific information about your dog’s individual needs and any concerns you might want to pay attention to as well
See a Vet if Your Dog Gets Kennel Cough in Matthews, NC
As you can see, there’s a lot to keep in mind about kennel cough. However, this isn’t usually a fatal illness, although some dogs may struggle with it more than others. With the help of your veterinarian, you’ll be able to find the right treatment and help your dog feel better in no time
At Caring Hearts Animal Hospital, we understand how uncomfortable and serious kennel cough can be for your dog. Our compassionate veterinary team will work with you on developing the best treatment plan for your pet to get them back to their healthy selves. For more information about this illness or to schedule an appointment to have your pet examined, contact us today.