The treatment for kennel cough, also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, depends on the exact cause of this illness. It may be caused by a bacterium or a virus. If the cause is bacteria, a veterinarian may prescribe a course of antibiotics. If the cause is a virus, antibiotics will only be helpful if a secondary, bacterial infection develops.
Supportive care for kennel cough
In some cases, kennel cough can clear up by itself without medications. Veterinarians typically recommend plenty of rest. Some vets recommend running a humidifier to help ease the symptoms. If the dog’s cough is severe, a vet may prescribe canine cough medications. In addition, it is generally a good idea to avoid the use of collar leashes during this time, especially for dogs that typically strain against the leash. This may irritate the sensitive trachea. Instead, vets recommend switching to a harness leash.
Proactive steps to prevent the spread of kennel cough
The best cure for kennel cough is a preventive one. Kennel cough tends to spread in areas where large numbers of dogs congregate, such as dog parks, daycare and boarding facilities. Dog owners can reduce the risk of their pups contracting kennel cough by talking to their vets about vaccinations. They aren’t foolproof, but they can reduce the risk.
In addition, facilities that board and care for dogs may reduce the risk of transmission simply by maintaining strict standards of hygiene. Kennel cough can be transmitted directly from one dog to another. It can also be transmitted indirectly, when an infected dog contaminates objects, such as a vet table or kennel.
It’s important for these facilities to make sure that the veterinary equipment they use is designed for maximum cleanliness. Ideally, they should be manufactured from stainless steel. The kennels themselves should feature trench drains with a built-in slope to ensure that urine drains properly. Kennels should also be designed to allow for easy cleaning by staff. TriStar Vet manufactures kennels with all of these features, and with hygiene as key focus