Kennel Cough in Dogs


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The condition commonly known as "Kennel Cough" is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases that dogs can contract. The disease is not serious in most cases, however, and often resolves itself after one to two weeks. The accepted medical term for kennel cough is tracheobronchitis, indicating a form of bronchitis that affects the dog's trachea.

Kennel cough can be caused by several airborne bacteria and viruses. It is generally accepted that most cases of kennel cough are caused by the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica but it has also been associated with the canine distemper virus (CDV) and canine parainfluenza. It is the general consensus of the veterinary medical community that in order to cause the illness, an animal must be virtually bombarded by multiple versions of these pathogens at one time. For this reason it is dogs that spend a lot of time around other dogs that are most at risk for the disease. Dogs that participate in dog shows or spend a lot of time in kennels are the highest risks for kennel cough.

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The primary symptom of kennel cough is a dry, spasmodic cough which is caused by the inflammation of the dog's trachea and bronchi. Coughing spells will often result in the dog coughing up a white and foamy discharge. Some dogs will also develop conjunctivitis - an inflammation of the membrane that lines the eyelids. Nasal discharge may also be present. In effect, the dog appears to have a very nasty cold or flu. As stated above, the disease is rarely serious and almost never life-threatening. Still, if you have seen any of these symptoms or have reason to believe that your dog has or has been exposed to kennel cough, you should consult your vet immediately.

Your vet will be able to diagnose kennel cough with a physical examination and medical history. The cough associated with the ailment is very characteristic and a simple massage of the dog's throat can usually cause it to cough on cue. In some cases, such as if the dog is depressed or feverish or expelling a yellow or green discharge, the doctor may require additional diagnostic tests such as a complete blood count (CBC) and laboratory testing of microorganisms in the dog's airway. These tests will help the doctor rule out other infectious diseases such as influenza, pneumonia, or canine distemper.

Immunization can help prevent kennel cough and is recommended. When kenneling your dog or traveling it may be required before your dog will be admitted. Effective immunization can be difficult, however, because the disease can be caused by so many different pathogens. Active prevention on your part can be accomplished by not allowing your dog's toys or water and food bowls to be accessed by unfamiliar dogs. If participating in dog shows make sure that the area is well ventilated to assist with the expulsion of airborne pathogens.

Kennel cough is treated with antibiotics in most cases. Antibiotics will help prevent any secondary illnesses from developing while the dog gets over its case of kennel cough.

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Parvovirus and Your Dog


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Parvovirus (commonly called Parvo) is a viral disease that affects dogs. It is far more common in puppies than adult dogs and can have serious ramifications for the infected animal, including death. Parvo grows best in the rapidly dividing cells of the dog's intestines. As the virus attacks and kills these cells it causes massive diarrhea and halts or slows the creation of white blood cells. In young puppies it can often directly infect the heart, leading to death.

The symptoms of Parvo start with fever, depression, and lethargy. The dog will usually experience a loss of appetite as well and then eventually show more sever signs like vomiting and diarrhea which is often bloody. Once the virus reaches this stage dehydration and death usually follow.

Parvo is carried and transmitted by dogs. The vomit and feces of an infected animal will also carry the virus which is rather resilient and can survive outside the dog's body in the surrounding environment for as long as nine months. Sometimes an adult dog can be infected by the virus and show no symptoms but act as a carrier transmitting the virus to the other animals it comes into contact with.

There is no cure for Parvo. Dogs that are infected will die of dehydration without treatment. That treatment primarily consists of providing fluids, giving repeated blood transfusions, and preventing dehydration. The mortality rate in dogs affected by Parvo is about 20% if the dog receives treatment in time. Without treatment, about 80% of those infected will die from it. It is a very serious disease.

Parvo tends to affect some dog breeds more than others. Dobermans, Rottweilers, and other black and tan dogs have a greater chance of contracting the virus. The reason for this is unknown but the fact that these dogs are at higher risk does not mean that owners of other types of dogs can rest easily. Dogs of any breed can become infected.

While there is no cure for Parvo, puppies can (and should) be vaccinated against it at an early age. Most vets recommend puppies be immunized starting at six weeks of age with vaccinations continuing until twenty weeks of age. Proper immunization is the best way to prevent a dog from contracting Parvo.





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Dog Health: Treating Your Dog for Dehydration

Concerned about dog health? Dehydration in dogs can be a dangerous situation. Whether caused by illness, too much heat, or a privation of fluid intake, dehydration should be treated immediately and, if left untreated, can cause many other health problems including organ failure and death. It is not difficult for a
dog to become dehydrated; easier than many dog owners realize. Luckily it's also not difficult to prevent dehydration in dogs and it's very crucial to do so.

Dehydration is an deficit of fluids in the body. It most often pertains to the loss of water and minerals such as sodium, chloride, and potassium; the loss of water; collectively called electrolytes. Dehydration in dogs can be caused by the dog being ill (especially if the dog has a fever), too much extreme heat, and other factors. A dog's inherent execution of panting causes a loss of fluids and can result in dehydration if the fluids aren't replaced. The fact is that dogs lack sweat glands to keep them cool. They pant in an undertaking to contol their body temperature.

Now On to How to Prevent Dog Dehydration.

Preventing Dog Dehydration

To avert dehydration, make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water daily. The dog should always have one full bowl of water to drink throughout the day rather inside or outside of the house. Consider having bowls of water in different parts of the house if the dog has the run of the house and this also goes with outside too. Dogs living in a dry climate should be kept indoors as much as possible. Moist dog foods also help keep proper levels of fluids in your dog. Dry foods are relevant for a dog's dental health, but moist foods should be given to dogs too.


How to Treating Dehydrated Dogs

If you think that your dog is dehydrated, get it some water as quickly as possible and then get it to the veterinarian. Symtoms of dehydration are a lack of elasticity to the skin, dry and sunken eyes, and a dry mouth and nose. Dehydrated dogs will also encounter a lag in capillary refill time. To check to see if this is the problem, pull the dog's lip away from its gum and press a finger gently against the gum until the area whitens. Draw back your finger and the color should return to the area almost immediately. A delay could be evidence of dehydration.

Giving the dog lots of water is the excellent way to replace bodily fluids, but a extremely dehydrated dog should not be allowed to drink large amounts all at once. This could induce vomiting and a further loss of fluids. Rather let the dog drink small amounts over a period of time. Electrolytes can be recovered with a hydrating solution. Also, Pedialyte, a water and electrolyte solution for infants is desirable for dogs as well.

Of course any dog that seems dehydrated or refuses to drink should be seen by a vet to determine appropriate treatment and whether the dehydration is a symptom of some other ailment.


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