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Wednesday, 11 July 2007 |
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Most people who have a dog or are seriously contemplating the possibility of buying one will have heard of kennel cough. Few however, know exactly what it is, their knowledge limited to the fact that it kills dogs. Kennel cough, or Tracheobronchitis to give it its medical name, is one of the most transmittable and common diseases that effects dogs. Although it is very prevalent when a lot of dogs are together, there are means available to avoid its spread. The truth is that in most known cases this disease is not life threatening but your Boxer could become very seriously ill. Kennel cough normally lasts from one to two weeks and the most prevalent characteristic is the dog’s severe coughing. The best way to cure kennel cough is to prevent it from occurring in the first place.
Kennel cough is caused by an airborne bacteria that easily spreads from dog to dog. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that kennel cough is only caught in kennels! Any place where dogs are in close proximity to each other is a risk area. This includes parks, obedience classes, and dog shows. Just because a dog is a pedigree and wins best of class doesn’t mean it has an inbred immunity to kennel cough. The symptoms of kennel cough are closely related to the human cold. Apart from the obvious dry cough, you will also notice your Boxer just isn’t feeling himself and he might not want to eat. If the kennel cough is quite bad he will probably cough up a white substance as well. Once you suspect that your Boxer could be down with a case of kennel cough don’t just take him to the vets without phoning first. Your veterinarian would most probably like to avoid your dog in the waiting room with twenty other dogs! Telephone first and make sure to tell them that you think your Boxer has kennel cough. They will then make special arrangements to see him. As kennel cough is a very common illness among dogs, your vet will be able to diagnose it quickly and easily, usually giving you a prescription of antibiotics and something to help the cough. Make sure you avoid your dog mixing the other animals (if you have a garden you can quarantine him) and don’t forget about toys! A dog’s favorite toy is also another favorite place for bacteria to breed, so don’t let him play with another dog’s, and obviously, don’t let other dogs play with his. This can get difficult if there is more than one dog in the house. In order to avoid your Boxer suffering you can get immunization shots from the veterinarian, but regular boaster shots are needed as kennel cough has many different causes. Now that you know a little more about kennel cough you can actively help to avoid your Boxer getting it. At least now you won’t panic when you first hear him coughing and wheezing. |
