Hi Friend,

Kennel cough has been going around again..

Many questions are around the vaccine- read more to see just how effective ( or un-effective) it is.

Ultimately you want your dog to have a healthy primed immune system to decrease the chance of getting the disease, and lower the likelehood of it turning into pneumonia.

This is designed to support your dog's immune system:

http://www.thedogsupplement.com

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What is kennel cough?
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In veterinary terms it is infectious trachebronchitis; inflammation and infection of the main airway (trachea),and into the passage to the lungs (bronchi)

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Causes
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The bacteria: 
Bordetella bronchiseptica

and some viruses:

    Parainfluenza virus
    Canine adenovirus type 2
    Canine distemper virus
    Canine herpes virus
    Canine reovirus (type 1, 2, or 3)


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Signs
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A pronounced 'goose honking' cough- it is generally loud and unmistakable for kennel cough

In a small percent of dogs it can lead to pneumonia ( lung infection)- these dogs become markedly sick, generally with a fever, eating/drinking less, lethargic, and in some cases breathing more difficulty.

Dogs with pneumonia require antibiotics.

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How does your dog aquire it?
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Generally via direct contact with another dog that has the disease-much in the same way we would get a cold virus or the flu

Clearly if there are more dogs, in a small space, then the chance of getting it goes up..ie in a day care, kennel etc..

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Prevention
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There is a kennel cough vaccine, BUT it does NOT give immunity to MOST of the kennel cough viruses.

Secondarily, as kennel cough is generally a LOCAL infection ( ie in the respiratory tract), it is not a disease which in easily prevented with vaccination.

Most vaccines WON'T completely prevent it, but they may decrease the severity.

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Incubation
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The disease can take anywhere from 2-14 days after exposure from another coughing dog until your dog shows sigs of infection.


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Length of infection
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Most dogs with kennel cough have signs for 7 days- it can be longer, and not uncommon to take 14 days to fully recover and not longer be coughing.

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What do I do if my dog gets kennel cough?
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IN most cases it is self limiting- the disease must simply run its course.

So long as your dog is still active, eating and drinking, then they will likely be fine.

If they have signs of pneumonia ( ie fever, lethargy, increased breathing rate) have them examined by your veterinarian

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At home cough remedy
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Here is what I have found works especially well:

NATURAL COUGH SYRUP. Lemon and honey can soothe any sore throat. New research points toward using ‘natural dark honey’ being more effective than any OTC cough suppressant.  Mix 2 tbsp of honey, 1 tsp of lemon juice and 1/2 cup of water. Give it to your dog twice daily, 1 tbsp for an average sized (50 lb) dog, 1tsp for a cat . Homeopathic cough syrups may also be helpful. I have used Hyland’s Cough Syrup, dosing it at 1/4 of regular adult dose per 10 lbs of body weight.


P.S. Do I vaccinate for kennel cough?

No

It is ONLY partially protective..sometimes..

P.P.S. Here are some things that can support your dog's immune system to decrease the chance of serious infection.

Essential Fatty Acids
Probiotics
Colostrum
Anti-viral amino acids, such as lysine

These are ALL in Ultimate Canine Health Formula

and you can get a 50% OFF trial bottle here:



http://www.thedogsupplement.com

Heal Your Pets At Home!

Best Wishes,

Dr Andrew Jones

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DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. Dr Andrew Jones resigned from the College of Veterinarians of B.C. effective December 1 2010, meaning he cannot answer specific questions about your pet's medical issues or make specific medical recommendations for your pet.

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