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Contagious Kennel cough in dogs is a sort of respiratory disorder. It is contagious and also categorized as an infectious tracheobronchitis. And this cough can be mentioned as a long-time persistent and non-productive dry cough. In addition, dogs with Kennel cough are contagious. And so, the main sources of kennel cough are huge dog congregations, like dog parks, dog shelters or boarding facilities.
What Is Contagious Kennel Cough In Dogs?
Kennel cough is majorly a type of dry dog cough that is prolonged and causes respiratory distress. During the first 10 to 14 days, this dog cough remains highly contagious. It would genuinely not cause any harm to a healthy adult dog, but it can be complicated in the case of puppies and dogs with an unstable immune system. It normally sounds like a hacking dry cough. But sometimes, you’ll also hear his coughing up of secretions.
What Are the probable reasons behind Contagious Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough is a contagious disease caused due to a variety of bacteria and viruses. The cruellest bacterium responsible for this disease is Bordetella bronchiseptica. Besides, viruses similar to parainfluenza also cause this cough in dogs. Due to inhaling harmful bacteria and viruses, inflammation takes place in the larynx and the trachea. The best spots where this cough is highly contagious include huge dog congregations, like dog parks, dog shelters or boarding facilities.
What Germs Are Responsible For Contagious Kennel Cough?
Some viral bacteria and viruses are majorly responsible for the transmission of contagious kennel cough among pups. A few cruel enemies include:
- Parainfluenza virus
- Canine influenza virus
- Bordetella bronchiseptica
- Canine adenovirus 2
- Mycoplasma species
How Long Is A Dog With Kennel Cough Contagious?
Kennel cough in dogs is highly contagious for up to 10 to 14 days. Most kennel coughs transmit from one dog to another in a vast gathering. But in case of any uncommon kennel cough, it can also get transmitted to humans. That’s why a healthy dog should stay away from a kennel cough-infected dog for at least 2 weeks. Then, you keep the dog separated from additional canines for up to 14 days. However, prevention is obviously better than cure.
Kennel cough is contagious, just like a human cough. And so, a dog can become prey to kennel cough twice also. This particular cough can be airborne. When too many fur kids are together closely, the germs get the optimum chance to transmit from one body to another. Fortunately, proper dosing of antibiotics and kennel cough medicine can stabilize the condition.
How Do The Kennel Cough Germs Transmit?
Socialization with the other dogs at home is essential. But sometimes, this closeness can cause diseases like Kennel cough. In major three ways, the contagious kennel cough might transmit:
- By Air: When an infected dog coughs or sneezes out, the germ comes into the air, and it might transmit then as an airborne disease. These airborne droplets can also travel up to 6 feet or more.
- Through skin contact: It’s obvious for the kennel cough germs to roam all through an infected dog’s body. When a healthy dog comes in direct skin contact with the infected dog, the germs get an optimum chance to transmit.
- Through surfaces: The germs causing contagious dog kennel cough can survive on surfaces for a minimum of 2 days. And later on, they can also jump into your fur baby’s body.
Complications of Contagious Dog Kennel Cough: Can It Cause Death?
Usually, the contagious kennel cough in dogs is not so severe. But complications are unfortunate indeed. If the infection of this kennel cough gets severe, it might lead to Pneumonia. When these symptoms of Pneumonia get severe, they can also cause your canine’s death. That’s why; you need to be highly cautious of the kennel cough so that the infection doesn’t worsen.
Treatment for Contagious Kennel Cough
Usually, the contagious kennel cough is treated within a week or two in the case of puppies or adults. During this period, the vets advise some antibiotics in order to prevent secondary kennel infection or complications, like Pneumonia.
Prevention of Contagious Kennel Cough
You just need to maintain some cautiousness to prevent this cruel kennel cough from attacking your furry buddy. Proper visits to vets might reduce the risks of secondary infections. This cough gets worse during the night and morning. The best way to prevent kennel cough is to avoid gatherings or huge congregations of dogs, like dog parks or training centers.
