Canine Cough
One of the public relations problems for pet care facilities
continues to be 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 that is spread by any one of three infectious agents (parainfluenza,
adenovirus, or Bordetella) or any combination thereof—most often passed on through the air, it can also be transmitted
on hands or clothing. The incubation period of the disease is roughly three to ten days and an infected pet may be contagious
for three weeks after showing the first signs of illness. The main symptom is a hacking cough, sometimes accompanied by sneezing
and nasal discharge, which can last 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 a common cold, it can lower the dog’s resistance to
other diseases making it susceptible to secondary infections, and so the dog must be observed closely to avoid complications.
Canine cough can be an especially serious problem for puppies and geriatric dogs whose immune systems may be weaker.
How is it cured?
Just as in the case of the common cold,
tracheobronchitis is not “cured” but must run its course; however, any animal displaying signs of the illness
should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. 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. Home remedy treatments for canine cough without the consultation of a veterinarian are not recommended.
Can my
dog be vaccinated to protect him from tracheobronchitis?
Yes! Vaccines against parainfluenza and
adenovirus type 2 (in combination with other vaccines) are routinely used as part of an adult dog’s yearly checkup.
Puppies are usually vaccinated for these in combination with distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus in a series of immunizations.
Specific, non-routine 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, visit a daycare
frequently, or for those whose veterinarian recommends it. It is important to note that the vaccines that are used to prevent
this viral disease are made from only one of the 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.
Your veterinarian is in the best position to recommend a program of preventative health care management depending on your
pet’s needs. In most cases, veterinarians recommend that you obtain vaccinations for canine cough five to seven days
before taking your dog to a pet care facility.
Are these viruses a constant problem?
No. Tracheobronchitis, like the
flu, is often seasonal – mainly due to the fact that the busiest seasons for pet care facilities tend to be summertime
or over holiday periods. It also tends to be epidemic. When veterinarians begin to see cases, they normally come from every
pet care facility in town, as well as from individual dog owners whose dogs did not visit a facility at all. When the outbreak
is over, they might not see another case for months.
Does tracheobronchitis occur only in
pet care facilities?
No. Since these viruses can be present anywhere, and can
travel for considerable distances through the air, they can affect any dog, even one that never leaves its own back yard.
But tracheobronchitis is more likely to occur when the concentration of dogs is greater such as at dog shows, kennels, dog
daycares, 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.
Are the chances of catching
it greater when a dog is in a boarding kennel or daycare?
Yes. Because, in any pet care facility,
a dog encounters two conditions that do not usually 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 lower resistance to disease (these same factors
explain why children are more likely to catch the flu at school, rather than at home). But the more frequently a dog visits
a pet care facility, the greater are the chances that it will acquire immunity to the disease. Even during a widespread breakout,
only a fairly small percentage of exposed dogs are affected.
Can’t the boarding kennel or daycare prevent my
dog from catching tracheobronchitis?
While the spread of canine cough can be minimized by proper
cleaning, isolating obviously sick animals, and properly ventilating the facility, remember that no amount of supervision,
sanitation, or personalized care is guaranteed to be 100% effective against the illness. All that a good pet care facility
can do is recommend immunization against tracheobronchitis, refuse to admit an obviously sick dog, follow responsible cleaning
and sanitation practices, 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 parainfluenza alone may not appear ill, yet is contagious) You
have a right to expect a pet care facility to provide the best possible care just as that facility has a right to expect you
to accept financial responsibility for such care.
Your PCSA member is devoted to your pet’s well being.
Look for the membership certificate proudly displayed.
