One of the public relations problems for pet care facilities continues to be a much misunderstood illness in dogs called “canine cough,” tracheobronchitis, or often referred to as “kennel cough.” As a dog owner, you should be aware of some of the facts about this illness.
What is “Kennel Cough?”
Infectious tracheobronchitis is a highly contagious, upper- respiratory illness that is spread by any one of three infectious agents (parainfluenza, adenovirus, or Bordetella) or any combination thereof-most often passed on through the air and it can also be transmitted on hands or clothing. The incubation period is roughly three to ten days and an infected dog may be contagious for three weeks after showing the first signs of illness. The main symptom is a hacking cough, sometimes accompanied by sneezing and nasal discharge, which can last from a few days to several weeks. Although this coughing is very annoying, it does not usually develop into anything more serious. Just as with a common cold, however, it can lower the dog’s resistance to other diseases making it susceptible to secondary infections, and so the dog must be observed closely to avoid complications. Canine cough can be an especially serious problem for puppies and geriatric dogs whose immune systems may be weaker.
How is it cured?
Just as with the common cold for humans, tracheobronchitis is not “cured” but must run its course; however, any dog displaying signs of the illness should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Sometimes 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. Home remedy treatments for canine cough without the consultation of a veterinarian are not recommended.
Can the boarding kennel or daycare prevent my dog from catching tracheobronchitis?
While the spread of kennel cough can be minimized by proper cleaning, isolating obviously sick animals, and properly ventilating the facility, remember that no amount of immunization, supervision, sanitation, or personalized care is guaranteed to be 100% effective against the illness. All that a good pet care facility can do is recommend immunization against tracheobronchitis, refuse to admit an obviously sick dog, follow responsible cleaning and sanitation practices, 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.) You have a right to expect a pet care facility to provide the best possible care just as that facility has a right to expect you to accept financial responsibility for such care.
This article has been adapted from a pamphlet developed by the Pet Care Services Associations. You can read the entire article at Let’s Talk About…Canine Cough.
Ever Wonder the Average Lifespan of a Certain Dog Breed?
Are you wondering what the usual life expectancy of your dog is? Lifespan for dogs varies from breed to breed. Find out what the average lifespan of your dog is here.
There is no overarching rule for canine lifespan. This can be because of genetic factors, and on average, smaller dog breeds tend to live longer than large breeds. It is important to know how long your dog is expected to live so that you can choose the best dog for you, prepare for the years ahead, and know what you can do to ensure that your dog lives a long and healthy life.
Life expectancy in dogs can be affected by many factors including genetic disease, diet, and exercise — similar to humans. The following chart shows how long you can expect your dog to live on average, based on what breed they are:
Article Credited:By ARI EINLEGER. July 17, 2013 (http://www.petcarerx.com/)
What Dog Doesn’t Love Cheese ??
Ingredients:
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons applesauce
1/2 cup vegetables, chopped (carrots or peas)
1 cup brown rice flour (or oat flour)
Add just enough milk to help bring all the ingredients together.
Add all the ingredients until it forms a sticky ball. Cover and chill for an hour. Roll into bite-sized balls or roll onto a floured surface and cut into shapes. Bake at 375 degrees F for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Source: ginnerobot, CC-BY-SA 2.0 via Flickr
