Kennel Cough (Dog Flu) Prevention

The Kennel Cough or Dog Flu is tracheobronchitis (inflamed airways) secondary infection caused by bacterial agents (Bordetela) and viral (parainfluenza, reovirus, adenovirus and distemper virus exceptionally).

This disease is characterized by producing a dry cough very troublesome for both the pet and owners often describe it as "the dog wants to take something that is in the throat." Although this disease can occur in individual animals is more common in communities (boarding kennels, training centers, farms, etc).

Infection Vectors

The infection occurs through direct contact and via aerogen through droplets produced in sneezing or coughing. The lack of ventilation, exposure to aerosols, cold, stress and other environmental factors may be predisposing since all of them can impair mucociliary barrier that serves as a defense to the respiratory system.

Treatment and Prevention

Yet this is not a serious, in fact animals are not likely to be depressed, so many of them heal on its own without treatment. However, in many cases, it is necessary to give antibiotic therapy and anti-inflammatory during the early days. 7 days if no improvement is noted, especially in puppies, additional tests should be made to prevent the process from getting worse.

Although this is, as stated above, a mild process should prevent them from occurring by eliminating the risk factors and using vaccines, especially in communities. The vaccination plan is to start 60 days of life of the animal and will continue annually.