Notice to our clients:

Kennel Cough has started making the rounds in the area this spring and some of our clients have reported cases to us.

Kennel cough is a fairly common and highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs. It is also known as Infectious Tracheobronchitis. It is easily spread when dogs are in close contact with infected dogs, such as; kennels, veterinary hospitals or other boarding situations. Kennel cough may be caused by a variety of disease agents, either singly or in combination with each other. Possible disease agents include: canine parainfluenza virus, canine adenovirus 2, or canine distemper virus. Other viruses may play a role, but the information is not as definitive. Bacteria, such as Bordetella bronchiseptica may be a sole causative agent or may be a secondary infection after initial viral damage. Other bacteria, usually gram negative bacteria, may also be secondary infectious agents after an initial viral infection.

Symptoms to look for:

• Persistent dry hacking cough followed by gagging(which may produce foamy mucus)
• Dry heaves or retching
• Watery nasal discharge
• In mild cases, dogs would likely be active and eating normally.
• In severe cases, symptoms progress and can include pneumonia.
• Some unvaccinated puppies and young dogs, or immunocompromised dogs might experience the most severe symptoms of the disease

Clinical signs appear anywhere from 5 to 10 days after exposure to affected dogs. While the cough may sound serious, this disease is often harmless and dogs recover uneventfully in a week or so. Symptoms in some dogs may last as long as 20 days.

If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms please let us know and contact your Veterinarian. Clients with dogs who have been diagnosed with Kennel cough are asked to please keep their dogs away from any social environment for at least 10 to 14 days.

Here are some tips when socializing your pups:

• Avoid poorly ventilated areas.
• Bring your dogs own bowl and water and avoid community water.
• Start with a healthy diet. “Dry and canned pet foods tend to promote inflammation in the body,” explains holistic veterinarian Robert Silver, DVM. A home-cooked or raw diet is ideal, but if you use processed food, opt for natural or organic varieties that are high in protein with fewer and simpler ingredients.
• Supplement. Immune-boosting supplements like probiotics, digestive enzymes, and fish oil will lay a strong foundation for fighting off infection.
• During peak season avoid dog parks
• Keep fresh water available at home

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Kris or Christina.
Mutty Paws – 207.210.6592