Canine Cough. How do I guard against it?

What is Canine Cough?

Canine Cough is a highly contagious infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract and sometimes the lower respiratory tract of a dog. Known by veterinarians as canine infectious respiratory disease(CIRD) complex, it can be caused by a variety of different infectious organisms and viruses. Common causes of canine cough include the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica and the parainfluenza and canine adenovirus type 2 viruses. A multitude of other disease-causing organisms, such as dog flu (canine influenza), also play a role. According to recent studies, dog flu was the most common respiratory disease, even more common than Bordetella.

Are Certain Dogs at Greater Risk for Infection?

Any dog, regardless of breed or age, can be at risk for canine cough. However, certain venues and activities can further raise your dog’s risk of canine infection.

What are the Clinical Signs of Canine Cough?

Initially, the infective organisms colonize and may damage the lining of the upper respiratory tract. In some cases, the infective organisms can travel further down and infect the lower respiratory tract, possibly leading to pneumonia and other more serious symptoms.

• Coughing

• Sneezing and retching

• Nasal discharge

  
  

The cough is usually described as a deep, hacking cough and can be persistent, many times keeping both you and your dog awake all night. In some cases, dogs may run a fever, have a decreased appetite, and demonstrate signs of depression. These clinical signs can last from a few days to several weeks depending on the severity of the disease.

How is Canine Cough Spread?

Canine cough spreads the same way that the common cold spreads in humans. The organisms that cause canine cough are most commonly spread through direct contact (kissing, licking, nuzzling); through the air (coughing or sneezing); and via contaminated surfaces (such as when a person picks up the virus on hands or clothing, then touches or pets a dog). Spread can also occur if that same person touches and contaminates another surface – a doorknob, for example.

Where could my dog catch Canine Cough?

Your dog can catch canine cough simply by being in close proximity to an infected dog. Kennels, salons, or your local dog park are just some of the places where your dog may come in contact with this debilitating disease.

Quickly assess your dog’s risk:

• Board at kennel or go to doggie daycare?

• Attend group training or ‘dog kindergarten”?

• Visit a groomer, dog parks, or engage with other dogs on daily walks?

• Enter dog events?

If you answered “Yes” to one or more of these questions, tell your veterinarian and ask if vaccination against canine cough and dog flu is a good option for your dog.

How is Canine Cough treated?

Several different regimens exist to treat canine cough. Antibiotics, cough suppressants, and anti-inflammatory drugs are often used alone or in a combination to treat this disease, depending on whether it is a bacterial or viral infection. Because of the resiliency of the organisms that cause canine cough, response to treatment can be unpredictable, and prolonged therapy may be required to bring this disease under control.

How can Canine Cough be prevented?

Vaccination serves as our best means to help prevent and reduce the signs of canine cough. Different vaccine options do exist for your dog. Nobivac Canine Flu Bivalent is an aid in the control of disease associated with the two strains of dog flu (H3N2 and H3N8).

Are there any side effects associated with Canine Cough vaccinations?

Millions of doses of canine cough vaccines have been administered over the years. A small number of dogs may show mild signs of canine cough 3 to 10 days after being vaccinated. These signs are usually self-limiting, lasting only 2 to 3 days, and rarely require medical treatment.

To Protect Your Pet, Talk To Your Vet.

Gail Moscato

Founder

Positive Paws BHC