How can you tell if your dog has kennel cough?

Dogs are our most loyal companions in life, and their health is always on our mind. When dogs show some abnormal behavior, we can't help but worry. Kennel cough, a disease that is not uncommon in the dog community, is threatening the health and happiness of many dogs. So, how can we keenly detect whether a dog is troubled by kennel cough? Understanding the relevant knowledge of kennel cough has become a compulsory course for every dog ​​lover. ​

Kennel cough, medically known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a respiratory disease caused by a variety of pathogens. It is called "kennel cough" because it is easily spread in places where dogs are densely populated, such as kennels, pet stores, and animal shelters. This disease not only makes dogs feel uncomfortable, but may also cause a series of complications, seriously affecting the quality of life of dogs. ​

When a dog suffers from kennel cough, one of the most obvious symptoms is coughing. This cough usually has unique characteristics. It is often a sharp, dry cough that sounds like the dog is trying to cough up a foreign object in the throat, and is sometimes accompanied by a goose-like sound. Coughing may be more frequent and severe after exercise, when the dog is excited, or when it is stimulated by cold air. For example, when you take your dog out for a walk, your active dog starts to cough after a few steps. This is likely a sign of kennel cough. ​

In addition to coughing, your dog may also experience symptoms of sneezing. Frequent sneezing, even more frequently than usual, is also a warning from the body. The dog's nose may have some secretions, which may be clear at first, and may become thick and yellow as the disease progresses. If you find that your dog always scratches his nose with his paws, or there are obvious traces of secretions around his nose, you need to pay special attention. ​

Some dogs also have changes in their mental state during the illness. A dog who was originally full of energy and loves to play suddenly becomes lazy and loses interest in his favorite toys and games. They may lie in the corner more often, unwilling to move, and even if the owner calls, the response seems very weak. Appetite may also be affected, eating becomes less active, and the amount of food eaten is significantly reduced. When we see that the dog has lost its former enthusiasm and vitality, we should consider the possibility of diseases such as kennel cough.

Fever is also a symptom that may accompany kennel cough. We can touch the dog's ears and paw pads to preliminarily determine whether the body temperature is abnormal. If the dog's ears and paw pads feel much hotter than usual, you need to use a pet-specific thermometer to measure the body temperature. The normal dog's body temperature is between 37.5℃ and 38.5℃. If the body temperature exceeds this range, it is likely that the dog's body has inflammation, which may be caused by kennel cough. ​

If the dog has the above symptoms, we must pay great attention to it and take the dog to the veterinarian in time. The veterinarian will understand the dog's daily activities, whether it has been in contact with other sick animals, etc. through detailed interviews, and then conduct a comprehensive physical examination. Auscultation is one of the common examination methods. The veterinarian will use a stethoscope to carefully listen to the dog's lungs and trachea to determine whether there are abnormal breathing sounds. Sometimes, some laboratory tests are also needed, such as blood routine tests, to determine whether the dog is infected with pathogens and the degree of inflammation by testing various indicators in the blood. X-ray examinations may also be arranged, which can help the veterinarian clearly see the condition of the dog's lungs and determine whether there are complications such as pneumonia. ​

The pathogens of kennel cough are diverse, including bacteria, viruses, mycoplasma, etc. These pathogens are easily transmitted in an environment where dogs are densely populated, such as when dogs play together in kennels, share food and water utensils, or come into close contact with other dogs in places such as pet grooming shops and pet parks. Therefore, as owners, we should try to avoid dogs going to places with poor hygiene conditions, dense dogs and poor ventilation. After taking the dog to a public place, clean the dog's body in time, especially the mouth and nose, to reduce the attachment of pathogens. ​

Once a dog is diagnosed with kennel cough, we need to give them more love and care. Let the dog rest in a warm, quiet and well-ventilated environment, ensure sufficient drinking water, and give nutritious and easily digestible food to help the dog enhance its body's resistance. According to the veterinarian's instructions, give your dog medicine on time. Whether it is cough suppressants, anti-inflammatory drugs or other therapeutic drugs, they must be used strictly according to the dosage. During the dog's treatment, we must closely observe the changes in the dog's symptoms and promptly report to the veterinarian so as to adjust the treatment plan. Although kennel cough will cause pain to the dog, as long as we can detect it in time and treat it correctly, most dogs can recover. As the owner of the dog, we must always pay attention to the dog's physical condition and use our love and care to escort the dog's health. Let our dogs stay away from the troubles of diseases, continue to accompany us happily, and spend every beautiful day.