Dog Cough Problems: Recognizing What May Be Affecting Your Companion

Dog owners should take "Dog Cough" matters very seriously. Every day, it is not uncommon for thousands of people to seek help for alleviating Dog Cough. The issue could be tied to Kennel Cough, Pneumonia, Dog Flu or similar Bronchial issue. No matter the core issue, multiple rounds of medications may have already been tried, only to find that the pet is still hampered by a coughing condition - caused by some unknown organism (pathogen). Perhaps, as is possible with most organisms, the involved strains have developed a resistance to common prescriptions. Whatever the cause, the pets continue to cough. But this does NOT need to be the case.

COUGHING CAN HAPPEN FOR MANY DIFFERENT REASONS

Pneumonia, Kennel Cough, a foreign object, household products (cleansers of carpet powders) can cause coughing issues. The most common "Kennel Cough", is also referred to as Bordetella (Bordetellosis) or Tracheobronchitis, is among the more typical upper respiratory issues that may affect dogs.

KENNEL COUGH

Kennel Cough, also referred to as Bordetella (Bordetellosis) or Tracheobronchitis, is among the more typical upper respiratory issues that may affect your dog, or cat (occasionally). This common issue is highly contagious and is known to affect a high percentage of Dogs throughout the world; and, Cats are not necessarily immune. Boarding would then be an easy place to contract the illness. Causative agents of, or contributors to, this common upper respiratory issue may include: para influenza, Bordetella bronchiseptica, and mycoplasma. Canine adenovirus, reovirus and even the canine herpes virus have been known to be contributors. Usually, more than one of these are contributors. Initial symptoms include a hacking, dry cough, with a retching-like action. Often, the sound exhibited may resemble that of 'honking'. Quite often, the cough is accompanied by a nasal discharge that is likely quite watery, rather than heavy. Advanced cases may lead to lethargic or lazy behavior, along with fever, lack of appetite; occasionally, pneumonia can result. Death is an ultimate possibility, though highly infrequent. Though this illness primarily affects dogs, cases with cats are not uncommon.

PNEUMONIA ISSUES

Pneumonia has various forms, but as an inflammatory illness of the lungs, it can be life threatening - as it strongly affects the ability of the body to absorb oxygen from air taken in. With an infection resulting in pneumonia, the 'sacs' that are responsible for collecting the oxygen needed by the body become filled with fluid, thereby inhibiting the ability to collect enough oxygen to support the body. If the body is deprived of oxygen to great enough extent, for long enough, then the inevitable result would be death. Symptoms of pneumonia consists of: coughing, elevated fever, difficulty of breathing, or even chest pain. Shaking or chills may often be an additional indication, as well as sweaty or clammy skin; and, blueness of the skin would indicate a sharp loss of oxygen.

DOG FLU

Canine influenza (Dog Flu), is a highly contagious respiratory infection in dogs which is caused by a virus. Canine influenza is a relatively new condition. The first documented case in the U.S. was in January of 2004 at a Greyhound racetrack in Florida. Since that time, there have been outbreaks throughout the U.S. Canine influenza virus is closely related to the virus that causes equine influenza. It is thought that the equine influenza virus mutated to produce the canine influenza virus.

Two clinical syndromes have been seen in dogs infected with the canine influenza virus - a mild form of the disease and a more severe form that is accompanied by pneumonia.

Dogs suffering with the mild form of canine influenza develop a soft, moist cough that persists for 10 to 30 days. Some dogs have a dry cough similar to the "kennel cough" caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica/para influenza virus complex. Therefore, it is not uncommon for true Dog Flu cases to be misdiagnosed as "kennel cough." Dogs with the mild form of influenza may also have a thick nasal discharge, which may be caused by a secondary bacterial infection.

Dogs with the more severe form of canine influenza will develop a high fever, generally 104 - 106ºF, and show clinical symptoms of pneumonia, such as rapid, labored breathing. Pneumonia may be caused by a secondary bacterial infection.

Because this is a newly emerging disease, almost all dogs, are susceptible to infection and have no immunity. Virtually every dog that is exposed to the virus will become infected, and nearly 80% show clinical signs of disease. Fortunately, most affected dogs have the mild form.

Submitted by Tim Delaney. References include Nzymes and Nzymes on Facebook.