posted by Tess on Jan 31
Kennel cough is an extremely contagious illness that can affect your canine pet. It technically called tracheobronchitis and affects the upper respiratory tract causing an inflammation. The disease is mainly caused by a viral infection like distemper, parainfluenza, or adenovirus but can also be caused by bacteria like Bordetella bronchiseptica.
The illness derives its name from the fact that the main symptom of the condition is a dry cough that sounds like a honk that gives the impression as if something is stuck in the throat. The word kennel has been given to the problem since it is highly infectious and can be spread easily in kennels and places that board dogs.
The virus or bacteria spreads through air and physical contact is not necessary and since the virus is air-borne, the virus can spread when an infected dog in the vicinity sneezes or coughs. And therefore, it is essential that the infected dog is isolated from all others. The reason why the disease becomes extremely rampant in any area that has even a single dog with the condition makes it almost impossible to contain. The symptoms of kennel cough appear about a few days after exposure and once contracted the disease will last for anywhere from 10 days to three weeks.
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