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Canine Cough
What is “canine cough”?
Infectious tracheobronchitis is a highly contagious, upper-respiratory
disease that is spread by an airborne virus. The incubation period
of the disease is roughly 3-7 days. The main symptom is a gagging
cough, sometimes accompanied by sneezing and nasal discharge, which
can last anywhere 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 the common cold, it can lower
the dog’s resistance to other disease thus increasing susceptibility
to secondary infections, and so the dog must be observed closely
to avoid complications.
How is it cured?
Just as in the case of the common cold, tracheobronchitis is not
“cured” but must run its course. 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.
Does tracheobronchitis occur only in kennels?
No. Since these viruses can be present anywhere, and can travel
for considerable distances through the air, they can affect any
dog...even one which never leaves its own back yard. But tracheobronchitis
is more likely to occur when the concentration of dogs is greater
such as dog shows, kennels, veterinarian clinics and hospitals as
well as pet shops. Dogs can also be exposed while running loose
or while being walked near other dogs.
But aren’t the chances of catching it greater when
a dog is in a kennel?
Yes.... because, in a kennel, a dog encounters two conditions which
do not 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 lowered resistance to disease (these same factors
explain why children are more likely to catch the flu in school
rather than at home). But the more frequently a dog boards at a
kennel, the greater are the chances that he will acquire immunity
to the disease. Even during a widespread outbreak, only a fairly
small percentage of exposed dogs are affected.
Are these viruses a constant problem?
No. Tracheobronchitis, like the flu, is often seasonal. It also
tends to be epidemic. When veterinarians begin to see cases, they
normally come from every kennel in the area, as well as from individual
dog owners whose dogs are not kennelled at all. When the outbreak
is over, they might not see another case for months.
Can my dog be vaccinated to protect him against 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 check up. |
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Puppies are usually vaccinated for these in combination with distemper,
hepatitis, and parvovirus in a series of immunisations. It is
important to note that the vaccines that are used to prevent this
viral disease are made from one strain of more than 100 different
strains of the virus and therefore are not as effective against
some strains as others.
Intra-nasal vaccines are also available for Bordetella bronchioseptica
(another cause of canine cough). Although some veterinary practices
do not use this intra-nasal vaccination routinely, it should be
considered for pets that board or for those whose veterinarian
recommends it. Your veterinarian is in the best position to recommend
a program of preventive health care management depending on your
pet’s needs.
Can’t the kennel prevent my dog from catching tracheobronchitis?
Unfortunately, no....no amount of supervision, sanitation, or
personalised care can prevent a dog from “catching”
an airborne virus. All that a good boarding kennel can do is to
strongly recommend immunisation against tracheobronchitis, refuse
to board any obviously sick dog, 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). Professional boarding
kennels would justifiably expect owners to accept the financial
responsibility for such care. Your PIAA member is devoted to your
pet’s well being. Look for his membership certificate proudly
displayed.
Information obtained from the PIAA website at www.piaa.net.au
Our Canine Cough Policy
Whilst Bendigo Pet Retreat cannot prevent Canine
Cough from entering our facilities unknowingly we have the following
in place as a means of hopefully preventing infection or as a way
of minimising spreading the illness:
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If your dog has been exposed to
Canine Cough we will not allow them to board with us until
3 months after infection |
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If your dog presents at check in showing signs
of coughing we will not check them into the kennel unless
we have written proof from a vet that their condition is chronic |
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Should your dog present with symptoms whilst
boarding with us they will be removed off site at your expense.
We would prefer that you arrange other accommodation, if not
we have quarantine facilities off site. |
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Should canine cough be discovered in the kennels,
we will notify all owners including the ones that have yet
to check their animals in with us. |
It is critical as a preventative measure that owners
are honest and inform us if their dog has been coughing. Because
even though the coughing may have passed, dogs are still contagious
for up to 14 days once symptoms have passed.
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