Kennel Cough Alert, Dog flu Report

What is kennel cough?

Its scientific name is "canine infectious tracheobronchitis" and only Affecting dogs. It is a mild respiratory illness in general, barring complications in very young or very old age animals. This caused by three viruses (reovirus, adenovirus type 2 parainfluenzavirus) and bacteria (Bordetella bronquiséptica).

What are the symptoms of Kennel Cough?

Its main symptom is a dry cough and hoarse on the nervous Very loud, but that does not generate a significant depression in the dog. Ends in a kind of "arcade" that usually produces a vomit saliva (gives the impression that the dog has a foreign object lodged in his throat and tries to Expel him). This cough may take several days or even weeks depending on the degree of complication of the disease. Being the nervous type, usually of coughing often occurs after a state of excitement or physical exertion (it is very likely to happen at the meeting place of the pet with its owner after the reunion of the arrival of work). Other symptoms that may occur sporadically are loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss, mood Although is not usually affected. The incubation period of the disease is usually about 3 or 4 days after exposure.

How is it spread?

To produce infection is necessary that animal's respiratory system defenses are damaged. Though a mild disease, is easily contagious and is transmitted by direct contact or proximity between animals of the same species, being only necessary for coexistence infection occur in the same environment (breathing the same air and drink the same water, for example), as penetrating agents traveling through the microdroplets Aerogen produced in the coughing and sneezing. Therefore, an animal can get anywhereIn the street, parks, veterinary clinics, boarding kennels, competitions and exhibitions, etc. .. It is even possible contagion in the elevator of her building if another dog carrier before traveling.

What to Do to Prevent its spread?

The first step is contact your vet to vaccinate as soon as possible to the pet (remember that contagion can occur in a simple walk down the street). There are two types of vaccines that immunize against one or more of the viruses and bacteria causing the disease:

Injectable vaccines: They are less effective than intranasal and require a booster dose administered at an interval of 15 to 20 days. These vaccines may be useful in animal conflict. Must be applied at least 15 days before of possible exposure to disease.
Intranasal vaccines: They are installed in both nostrils (nose) and are considerably more effective than injections as they Stimulate a more rapid and accurate immunity to the bacteria, acting locally in the respiratory tract, Which is the area where you disease. It is often effective 72 hours after implantation.

Both should be remembered annually, and is supported and recommended the use of two To strengthen immunity. Vaccines are not curative procedures, so that should not be applied when the animals have contracted the disease. Another step is avoid sudden temperature changes (both winter and summer) and Food care to maintain the animal's immune system and natural defenses in optimal conditions.

What to do in case of getting the disease?

We have already commented that not a serious illness and Therefore many animals are cured without treatment alone. However it is advisable consult your veterinarian, To talk about the symptoms and rule out other disease. The practitioner is responsible for assessing the degree of severity of infection and if necessary the implementation of treatment. If so, would the antibiotic treatment and in the early stages of the inflammatory process can be used to reduce irritation of the airways. Since this is a viral infection, the animal's body has to fight with their own defenses, so the prescribed treatment does not shorten the duration of illness, but if you soften the symptoms.

You should also know that ...

Not spread to humans Although its symptoms are similar to our bird. Hence the vaccine is not hundred percent effective, Since viruses can mutate causing one season to the next. If the pet is vaccinated and contracts the disease, the severity of their symptoms and their duration will be reduced. If your pet will stay in our residence, should be vaccinated of this and other diseases that could get in contact with other dogs, their welfare and that of the other pets housed here, remains possible that even when not vaccinated can spread. This can occur with greater possibility next if the first time, as on this occasion, the dog suffers a stress situation it produces a general lowering your body's defenses, Allowing the entry of viral and bacterial agents.
The preferable vaccination occur at least 15 days before entering the center to enable the development of defenses in the body of the animal.If you have an emergency and have to leave your pet overnight, should consult the Application of the vaccine with your veterinarian, if the deadline for entry is less than 48 hours, since otherwise there may be a very detrimental effect the expectation with the vaccine, your body does not have time to create the antibodies needed. In this case, it is recommended not to vaccinate up to 15 or 20 days after departure residence, to rule out infection that might have occurred.