What You Need To Know About Kennel Cough In Labrador Dogs

Lots of questions about dog diseases are being raised by owners of Labrador dogs. One of these questions is the possibility of kennel cough in their Labrador dogs. When you think that you heard your dog making the sound as if he wants to clear his throat, then kennel cough is on its way.

Kennel cough, also called tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious disease brought by several infectious agents. This illness targets the dog's upper respiratory system, irritating and damaging the trachea and upper bronchi.

Symptoms of kennel cough include harsh, dry/hacking coughing accompanied with retching, sneezing and snorting. Watery nasal discharge may also be experienced. Symptoms of this disease usually last around seven to twenty days.

This kennel cough is just like cold in humans, it is transmitted through air. Organisms carrying this disease transmit through expired air of an infected dog. These organisms enter your dog's body when inhaled. It will then attach to the lining of the trachea and upper airway passages. The last thing these organisms will do is to look for a warm, moist surface in which they can reside and multiply. Enclosed places like kennel, animal shelter and indoor dog shows can be sources of this disease.

Kennel cough is not a life-threatening disease. The dog will still continue eating, playing, sleeping except for that annoying dry cough. This disease is treated depending on its severity. Veterinarians usually prescribe cough suppressants for the relief of cough. But in some cases wherein cough is accompanied with fever, treatment using antibiotic is necessary.

Just like humans, dogs can not choose the air they breathe in. Whether they want it or not, organisms carrying kennel cough can possibly invade their bodies and damage their health. It is just right that your Labrador dogs get the maximum protection needed to prevent this canine illness. Dogs, especially those who will be exposed to the outside world like obedience training and dog shows must be properly vaccinated.