The other day while on the phone with one of our daycare parents they asked the question “Can dogs get colds?” Yes! They can get doggie “colds”, allergies, kennel cough and even tonsillitis. After opening Dogtopia we quickly found that just like a children’s daycare, the dogs share their germs and each one has a different immune system. Since we are the first off leash venue many Waco dogs have participated in many parents never happened upon minor illnesses such as these. Many of the dogs we see have allergies much like humans who live in Texas. They scratch, sneeze and even have a reverse sneeze that sounds a bit like they are clearing their throat so sometimes it is hard to distinguish if they are sick or not. Our advice to you is trust your instincts and when in doubt consult your Veterinarian. Nobody knows your dog better than you! If they are not acting like themselves or eating habits suddenly change then something is likely up.
So what can we do to prevent contagious illness? Here at Dogtopia we clean, sanitize, and disinfect like crazy. What we ask of you the parents is that if your dog seems overly tired, not himself, has green discharge from the eyes or nose in combination with sneezing or coughing it is best to keep them home until you feel they are back to their perky normal self! In addition, let us know! We want to keep parents well informed so please let us know if your baby isn’t well!
Below is an article on Kennel Cough from Dr. Johnston at South Bosque Vet Clinic that was featured in our newsletter a few months back.
Dr. J’s Habits For A Healthy Hound (by Jered Johnston, DVM)
Kennel Cough
What is it?
Kennel cough is an infectious bronchitis characterized by a harsh, hacking cough that most people describe as sounding like “something stuck in my dog’s throat.” Dogs typically show clinical symptoms 7-10 days after being exposed and symptoms can last from 4-14 days. Most cases, with time, clear up without complication, although occasionally symptoms can worsen and result in pneumonia or other lower respiratory tract diseases.
How do dogs get it?
Kennel cough is better described as a “complex” as there are many infectious agents that often times work simultaneously to cause infection. Bordetella bronchiseptica is the bacteria that takes the primary blame for kennel cough, however, Bordetella bronchiseptica usually infects dogs secondarily to a virus that has weakened the protective mechanisms in the windpipe.
The four common viruses of the kennel cough complex are the Parainfluenza Virus, Canine Adenovirus Type 2, Canine Herpes Virus and the Canine Reovirus. Any of these viruses can produce a minor sore throat and cough, ultimately allowing a way in for the more toxic Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria.
Classically, dogs get infected when they are kept in a crowded situation with warmer air (i.e., a boarding kennel, vaccination clinic, obedience class, local park, animal shelter, animal hospital waiting room, or grooming parlor). Among dogs, kennel cough is fairly contagious depending on stress level, vaccination status, and exposure to minor viruses. Bordetella bronchiseptica is generally not considered contagious to humans, although it is closely related to Bordetella pertussis, the agent of whooping cough. Immune-suppressed humans could potentially be infected.
Treatment
If your canine companion develops a harsh, hacking cough, you should get them to your veterinarian as soon as possible. Although kennel cough is typically not life threatening, there are other, more serious causes for a hacking cough such as heart disease or collapsing trachea that your veterinarian can evaluate. Kennel cough is typically treated with rest, cough suppressants and, on occasion, antibiotics if your veterinarian feels they are needed.
Prevention
There are two vaccines that play an important role in preventing kennel cough, the DHPP or DAPP vaccine and the Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine. Parainfluenza virus and Adenovirus type 2, members of the kennel cough complex, are covered by the standard DHPP or DAPP vaccine. This is the basic yearly vaccine for dogs that also includes Parvo and Distemper Virus.
For the Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine there are two options: an injection given under the skin or a liquid vaccine dripped into the nose. The injectable vaccination is a good choice for aggressive dogs that may bite when approached. The downside to the injectable vaccine is that dogs have to get a three week booster following their first injection and it takes longer to develop immunity, typically 7-14 days. The intranasal vaccine does not require the three week booster after the first time vaccination and immunity is much quicker and usually active three days after the vaccine is given. Many veterinarians argue that the intranasal vaccine also provides stronger, local immunity since it is applied directly to the respiratory tract. The downside to the intranasal vaccine is that some dogs will have mild sneezing or nasal discharge in the week following intranasal vaccination.
It is important to realize that not all members of the kennel cough complex have a vaccine. Vaccination must be regularly boosted and the frequency will be set by your boarding or grooming facility. Many recommend yearly vaccination and still others recommend every six months. The frequency of vaccination truly depends on your dog’s exposure risk level, and your veterinarian will have the best recommendation. Vaccination every six months is safe and will provide the highest level of protection for your dog.
One important thing to understand about vaccination is that it is not full-proof. It is quite possible for a vaccinated dog to still become infected with kennel cough. The vaccine will muffle the symptoms and decrease the duration of the illness, preventing your dog from going through the severe symptoms that unvaccinated dogs develop.
To discuss your pet’s health with Dr. Johnston contact South Bosque Veterinary Clinic.
Have you ever wondered if your house plants are harmful to your pets? Many of us have come home to find a plant destroyed and that moment of panic wondering if your dog ate any and if it will hurt him. Fortunately for my dogs I do not have a green thumb and fail miserably at keeping plants alive. However, Mr. Alfie discovered Kim’s Jade plant and had a lot of fun digging out the dirt and rocks. Wondering if the plant was dangerous to him I turned to the Internet and discovered a nice resource of dangerous plants and trees to dogs, even cats and horses. It couldn’t hurt to take a peek and see if anything in your landscape is on this list.