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Kennel cough is a form of canine bronchitis, and also goes by the name of Canine Contagious Respiratory Disease (CCRD). It is an infectious disease that can be caused by the viruses; bordetella, parainfluenza and mycoplasma. It goes by the name of Kennel Cough' as it is more commonly seen in kennel situations where the dogs are closely housed and the virus can be easily passed.

There is no actual cure for kennel cough, so treatment is for the symptoms more than the disease. If left, the virus can spread and cause secondary infections such as pneumonia, although this is rare. The symptoms that need to be treated are:

*Sneezing

*Hacking cough

*Producing phlegm

*Discharge from nose

*High temperature

*Lethargy

*Lack of appetite

By listening to the chest and taking a history of the symptoms, the veterinarian will easily be able to diagnose kennel cough. However, cultures may be taken to establish which virus is causing the infection. X-rays may also be taken to see if the infection has spread into the lungs.

Treating kennel cough depends on the severity of the infection. As it is a viral infection, antibiotics are usually ineffective. However, they will be given to control any secondary infections that may occur whilst the dog is weakened. Cough suppressants will also be given.

Other treatments that can be given are:

*Steam inhalation to help move the mucus that builds up in the trachea and bronchioles.

*Fluid therapy may be given in severe cases to replace fluids and electrolytes that can be lost when vomiting is caused by extreme coughing.

*Paracetamol can be given in small doses under veterinarian care to help reduce pain and temperature.

*Gentle diet of boiled chicken and rice will help to encourage the dog to eat. This can be slowly built up once their appetite has returned.

Treating kennel cough is usually a case of tender loving care, to make the dog more comfortable and increase their strength so that they can fight the virus.

There are also other measures that you should take once kennel cough has been diagnosed to prevent further spreading of the virus.

*Wash all bedding, and use a disinfectant to thoroughly clean any kennel areas.

*Quarantine the dog away from other canines to prevent spreading the disease.

*Vaccinate all other dogs that are at risk of catching the infection.

The vaccination to prevent kennel cough is given via the nasal passages and can cause dogs to become slightly ill afterwards, however this will pass quickly and does not have any long-term affects.

Learn more about this author, Charlotte Howard.
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