Are you planning an end-of-summer vacation? Labor Day weekend is a very busy time for doggie daycare and boarding facilities. Kennel cough is a common ailment that dogs often get when in close contact with other dogs. Kennel cough can cause flu-like symptoms such as upper respiratory infection, sneezing, runny eyes and a hacking cough.
Dogs often contract kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection, when they are placed in boarding facilities due to the close proximity and shared environment with other dogs. Kennel cough, scientifically known as infectious tracheobronchitis, is primarily caused by a combination of the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica and several viruses, including canine parainfluenza virus and canine adenovirus.
Several factors contribute to the prevalence of kennel cough in boarding facilities:
Close Quarters: In boarding facilities, dogs are often housed in close proximity to each other, facilitating the easy transmission of the infectious agents through respiratory droplets when infected dogs cough or sneeze.
Stress and Weakened Immunity: Boarding environments can be stressful for dogs, and stress weakens the immune system's ability to fend off infections. This makes dogs more susceptible to contracting kennel cough when exposed to the pathogens in a boarding facility.
High Volume of Dogs: Boarding facilities typically host a high volume of dogs from various backgrounds, increasing the likelihood of introducing new strains of the infectious agents. This diversity can make it challenging to control the spread of the disease.
Shared Facilities: Dogs in boarding facilities often share common areas, such as play areas, water bowls, and grooming spaces. These shared resources provide ample opportunities for the transmission of the bacteria and viruses responsible for kennel cough.
Preventing kennel cough in boarding situations involves vaccination, maintaining proper hygiene, and minimizing stress on the dogs. Since Kennel cough is due to a virus, antibiotic treatment isn’t all that helpful Using AskAriel’s Olive Leaf Extract along with Quent Drops can help. They are natural antiviral supplements that are especially effective in targeting lung-related infections. You can use them along with treatments from your vet for conditions like asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia.
To learn more about how to treat canine kennel cough at home, click here.
