Respiratory infection due to weather change is commonly observed in mammals, including humans. Most pet owners especially breeders are well aware of kennel cough, but do you know the mechanism behind the cause and spread of this disease?
Kennel cough, also known as infectious tracheobronchitis, is the infection of the respiratory system of dogs and infections can be contracted anywhere (not just limited to kennels as the name of the disease suggests). On its own it is not fatal and your dog may even be able to recover without any treatment, but the condition could become severe.
Cause:
Kennel cough is caused by the combination of five potential viruses and a bacterium which make dogs susceptible to the infection:
• Canine distemper virus
• Canine herpes virus
• Parainfluenza virus
• Canine adenovirus
• Canine reovirus
• Bordetella
Factors:
Cold weather, dust and travel stress are among the most common factors contributing to kennel cough. Additionally, dogs living in kennels or boarding facilities are confined to small spaces and higher densities and are most likely under pressure due to various environmental issues, which may contribute further to the spread of pathogens. During a cough, respiratory secretions are expelled and thus pathogens are spread to the environment. The disease is then easily transmitted to any other dogs coming into contact with the infected dog or contaminated objects.
Signs:
Kennel cough has a typical incubation period of 7-14 days before the dog starts showing symptoms of the disease, such as coughing, sneezing and discharge from the eyes or nose. Most dogs are infectious only when they are showing clinical signs, but some could remain contagious for up to two months after recovery. In most cases, the dog will just have mild signs that can be symptomatically treated at home.
However, the affected dog may become dull and lethargic with a lack of appetite. If there is a rise in body temperature, the infection could have progressed to pneumonia and if this is the case, you need to bring your dog to your veterinarian as soon as possible.
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