Now that we’ve looked at common viral diseases affecting animals, we may think that we’re safe, since we may not be farmers or people that live entirely off nature. But let’s touch on animals that are closer to our hearts, right in from our homes.
So you’ve met The One, not at the local bar, nor through a mutual friend, but on a pet farm.
You have fallen in love, bought him on your credit card and he has settled in happily with his new home. What next?
Well, you should arm yourself with some basic knowledge, because some puppies may already be infected with a virus from the pet farm, or may contract it along the way. Knowing some common ones will better prepare you on what to do once you spot the symptoms, as some of these can be fatal.
KENNEL COUGH
Dogs develop coughs too. Coughing in dogs is referred to as kennel cough and it can be a highly infectious disease. However, it is rarely serious when it strikes. Just the same, pet owners are advised to give their dogs the right amount of care and attention that they deserve whenever they are sick.
Kennel cough may give rise to a more serious health concern if not treated early on.
Kennel cough in dogs can be likened to a mild case of influenza in humans. Like influenza, the disease is also caused by a mixture of viruses and bacteria. It is a type of infection that affects the upper respiratory tract of dogs. Other household pets like cats, rabbits, and birds may develop a similar disease.
Coughs can be transferred across breeds and classes so be very careful with associating your pets when one of them is diagnosed with the disease.
More often than not, kennel cough is merely a symptom of another, much worse disease that your pet is suffering from. Kennel cough may be a result of underlying health concerns such as heart disease, periodontal disease, heartworm, parasites, throat growths, pneumonia, irritations, and allergies.
However, it is quite funny to note that some people think that kennel cough is a type of cough obtained by dogs if they live in a kennel. While dogs living in the same area may acquire the disease through association, a dog doesn't have to be inside a kennel to develop this particular type of disease.
Dogs suffering from kennel cough can be heard hacking persistently. It can be so bad at times that you might think that your dog will throw up everything it has eaten for its last meal. If you think that your dog is suffering from this disease, make sure that you take it to the veterinarian as soon as possible to keep it from suffering any longer.
Veterinarians may require inoculations or intranasal vaccines to be performed or given to your infected dog. There are also certain protective measures that you have to follow so that your dog's condition won't exacerbate. If your dog is very prone to developing kennel cough, you have to add a certain level of protection to your pet as you let it play in the park, walk it outside, or take it with you on your travels.
[Image from: http://www.basc.org.uk/filemanager/root/site_assets/howto/gundogs/administration-vaccine.jpg]
Kennel cough is considered a respiratory infection. In certain instances, antibiotics may be used as an aid to the problem. However, the choice of drugs is very crucial. Since the condition is caused by both bacteria and viruses, a double-acting antibiotic is required. Otherwise, you might to give your dog two types of oral medications, one to handle bacteria like penicillin and another to address the virus.
Treatment
There are both natural remedies and chemically prepared formulations available today to help provide relief to pets with kennel cough. However, prevention is still the best route to take. At the first signs of illness, take your dog to the veterinarian for proper diagnosis. By doing so, the symptoms of the disease will be handled accordingly and your dog will be healthier.
[Above info from: http://www.kennelcoughindogs.com/]
