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We do everything we can, but sometimes

Canine Cough (Dog Flu) Happens!


	Like humans, dogs can catch the flu, or a cold, anywhere!
	Tracheobronchitis is sometimes called: Canine Cough, Kennel Cough, Canine Cold, or the Dog Flu.
	Canine Cough, like the common cold, is often seasonal.
	Bordatella vaccinations, like human flu shots, may offer some protection.
	We strongly recommend Bordatella vaccinations, with a booster every 6 months.
	1st vaccination should be given 7 to 14 days before exposure to other dogs.
	FOLLOW YOUR VETERINARIAN'S VACCINATION RECOMMENDATIONS.
One of the public relations problems for boarding kennels today is caused by a much misunderstood dog disease called "Canine Cough", tracheobronchitis, or often improperly reffered 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 ia a highly contagious, upper respiratory disease which is spread by an airborne virus. The incubation peroid of the disease is roughly 3 to 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 diseases making him susceptible to secondary infections, and so he 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 it's course. Many time antibiotics will be prescribed to prevent secondary infection, and sometimes cough supressants will be prescribed to reduce excessive coughing, but these medications do not attack the disease itself. (Robitussin-DM)

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 it's own backyard. But tracheobronchitis is more likely to occur when the concentration of dogs is greater, such as at dog shows, kennels, veterinarian offices 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 a 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 an 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 tow, as well as from individual dog owners whose dogs were not kenneled at all. When the outbreak is over, they might not see another case for months.

Can my dog or cat 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. Puppies are usually vaccinated for these in combination distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus in a series of immunizations. It is important to note that the vaccines that are used to prevent this viral disease are made from on strain of over 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 bronchiseptica (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 managment depending on your pet's needs.

Can't the kennel prevent my dog from catching tracheobronchitis?

Unfortunately, no... No amount of supervision, sanitation, or personalized care can prevent a dog from "catching" and airborne virus. All that a good boarding kennel can do is to recommend immunization 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 contagiuos.) You have a right to expect a kennel to provide the best possible care just as a kennel has a right to expect you to accept financial responsibility for such care. Your American Boarding Kennels Association member is devoted to your pet's well being. Look for his membership certificate proudly displayed.

What if my dog starts coughing?


	Don't Panic! Like a common cold, canine cough (dog flu) will run it's course.
	Robitussin-DM cough suppressant (child dosage) will reduce coughing.
	Although the coughing is annoying, it usually does not develop into anything more serious. However, if the cough persists or worsens, you should contact your Veterinarian.
To many, the term "kennel cough" means that this disease can only be contracted from a kennel. However, exposure to Kennel cough most often occurs at dog shows, kennels, Vet's offices, Groomers or any place there are a number of dogs. Kennel cough is a highly contagious disease affecting the respiratory system of dogs. It is influenced by various environmental factors, usually produced by a combination of bacterial and viral agents. The major sign of kennel cough is a spontaneous, dry, hacking cough that is easily induced. Owners may suspect that the dog has something caught in its throat, or that it is trying to vomit. Most cases of canine kennel cough will resolve in 10 days to 3 weeks, but owners can make their dogs more comfortable by minimizing the coughing with a cough suppressant obtained from their veterinarian. The dog should definitely be seen by the veterinarian if the disease persists longer than 2 weeks or the animal begins to show systemic signs, that is, acts depressed, has a fever, has lost its appetite, is not drinking as much water as normal, or is just plain acting sick. Generally, 7 to 10 days is required after exposure to an infected animal before a dog develops the characteristic cough. Antibiotics may be prescribed if the disease is systemic, but their usefulness is questionable. Vaccinating your pet with a good intranasal Bordatella vaccine is essential to trying to prevent this disease. However, there are many strains of Bordatella, and a vaccine doesn’t guarantee immunity anymore than a flu shot guarantees we won’t get the flu. Another preventative measure would be to have your veterinarian give your pet an annual booster if you feel your dog is at high exposure to other dogs. If you suspect your dog of having kennel cough he should be isolated from other dogs so that he cannot transmit the disease. However, since an infected dog will not begin coughing for approximately 7 days after it has picked up the disease, any dogs that come in contact with it during that time may already have picked up the disease and should be observed carefully for any signs of this disease.

Don't Wait... VACCINATE!

Keep ALL vaccinations current!

THE ONLY PLACE FOR A PET OF MINE IS .... (541) 882-K9K9!