The Major Causes of Kennel Cough in Dogs
To recognize and treat kennel cough in dogs, we need to determine the underlying root causes of kennel cough in dogs. Doing this can enable a dog owner protect against kennel cough happening in the first place or in the future.
The kennel cough in dogs can be caught in several ways:
- It can spread through aerosols in the air, directly from dog to dog
- Through germs on contaminated objects.
- It is a disease that is often spread in enclosed areas with poor air circulation, like a kennel or an animal shelter.
- It can also spread through direct contact like shared water dishes or even greeting another dog.
Your dog’s health – How to keep an eye on it?
Pay attention to your dog’s attitude – A pet parent can find out many things by monitoring the dog’s demeanor such as how he or she is physically feeling. You can ensure his health is gradually improving and responding to treatment. For example, your pet should begin to wag his tail , pay attention to you and get up to greet you. If he perks up and starts asking for food, then that is good sign to indicate he she is getting better.
On the other hand, if you observe your fur baby is becoming less interactive or just lying still, he or she may be getting worse and require medical attention.
Track how often your dog vomits – If you notice your dog is not drinking or vomiting, then you need to ensure your dog does not become dehydrated.
If your dog vomits, then withhold food for 12 to 24 hours, however keep giving water. If he or she is not able to keep fluids down either, contact the veterinarian straight away.
When you contact the animal hospital, inform your vet how many times in a specific span of time your dog has vomited. However, if your pet vomited just once and resumed eating and drinking again, it’s probably no cause for alarm.
Look for diarrhea – If you think, then you’ll need to follow your dog into the yard to see what he pr she eliminates. if you notice large volumes of watery diarrhea then contact the vet.
If you notice blood his or her stools, your dog may need intensive supportive care like intravenous fluids.
If you notice your pet has a little diarrhea, be sure to offer lots of fluid. Ensure that your pet is getting more fluid than he or she is losing.
Notice signs of dehydration –Check the gums of your dog, which should be pink and moist. If you notice them to be dry feeling, it is most likely your dog may be dehydrated.
The other way to check if you pet is hydrated enough is to lift up the scruff of your pet’s neck and let it drop. If your dog is hydrated, it should immediately return to the original position. If your dog is dehydrated, the skin will slowly fall back over the course of a few seconds, rather than snap back. Usually dehydration in a sick dog is a cause for concern, so it is a good idea to take your dog to the animal hospital.
If you see your pet is dehydrated, try offering some form of fluids. If he or she takes the fluid, continue to watch for dehydration. Howeveryou’re your dog cannot keep fluids down, seek medical care immediately. To prevent any organ damage, your dog may need medication of intravenous fluids.
Watch your dog’s breathing – It is good to watch the breathing pattern of your dog and it can tell you tell you a lot about how your dog feeling. If your pet is in pain or suffering from some form illness, he may breathe heavily or pant.
In most circumstances, coughing and heavy breathing are symptoms of a chest infection. It is also advisable to check your dog’s gums if his breathing causes exaggerated chest movements.
The gums in your pet’ mouth should be pink and healthy. However, if the gums appear tinged blue or pale, contact the vet. Your dog might not be getting enough oxygen and could be in respiratory distress.
You can also keep an hourly record of your dog’s breathing. Generally your pet breaths 20 – 30 times per minute. If your pet’s breathing rate increases steadily, his or her condition has deteriorated and you need to call the vet.