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Kennel Cough Myths and Facts
Kennel Cough is a very misunderstood term. Just the words itself cause many to believe that this is a health condition that occurs among dogs literally in a kennel with a bunch of other dogs.
However, this is not the case. Any dog can catch Kennel Cough….Including your pet that lives inside the home.
This canine term refers to the most widespread upper respiratory health issue in dogs. Aside from the term of Kennel Cough, this is also medically known as Tracheobronchitis, Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis, Boredtellosis or Bordtella.
It is very infectious in dogs and will transmit to a very high percentage of dogs in their lifetime. For these reasons, Chihuahua owners must be aware of the truth and myths of Kennel Cough.
However, this is not the case. Any dog can catch Kennel Cough….Including your pet that lives inside the home.
This canine term refers to the most widespread upper respiratory health issue in dogs. Aside from the term of Kennel Cough, this is also medically known as Tracheobronchitis, Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis, Boredtellosis or Bordtella.
It is very infectious in dogs and will transmit to a very high percentage of dogs in their lifetime. For these reasons, Chihuahua owners must be aware of the truth and myths of Kennel Cough.
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Myth: Dogs must be in a crowded, dirty kennel to catch Kennel Cough.Fact: Any Chihuahua can catch Kennel Cough; it is an airborne canine virus. This can happen while your dog is at the vet, at dog shows, at the groomers, or even walking down the street while on a stroll with you.
What are the Symptoms?
This is a respiratory infection that causes more symptoms in a dog than just coughing. Once infected, a dog will show normally 2 to 14 days after being exposed.
The Signs:
- A dry cough
- Wheezing noises when breathing
- A retching noise, as if something is caught in your dog’s throat
- Chocking noises
- Water discharge from the dog’s nose
- Thin or thick excessive discharge from the dog’s eyes
- Decreased appetite – not always a sign
- Decreased urge to drink water – not always a sign
- Fever – present with severe cases
- Weakness – present with severe cases
What is the Treatment?
Treatment will be determined depending on how severe a dog is infected. Medication may include:
Cough suppressant medication
Antibiotics – Given to prevent a secondary infection, such as pneumonia. Usually reserved for more severe cases when the dog is not eating and is very weak.
Bronchoilators
Secondary Treatment
Aside from any medication given to your Chihuahua; there are other actions that should be taken:
- Allow your Chihuahua to rest as much as they need
- Limit exercise or outdoor play until proper breathing is restored
- Wash all bedding…doggie blankets, dog beds, etc.
- Use a hot steam vaporizer, to help your Chihuahua breathe easier
- Until your Chihuahua recovers, take off their dog color. Any extra pressure on the throat and trachea can trigger more coughing. A dog harness can be used instead.
How Long Does Kennel Cough Last For?
Most of the time, with proper medical attention, a dog will be back to normal within 1 to 3 weeks. However, your Chihuahua would still be contagious for up to 3 months; therefore it is vital to keep him or her away from other dogs during this time.
Do Vaccinations Prevent Kennel Cough?
No! Kennel Cough is an umbrella term to explain an infection that is caused by many different strains and mutation of a virus. Vaccinations protect against the most common cause, the Parainfluenza virus; but there are many, many other bacterial and viral causes. The Bordatella vaccine is not able to cover all of these. In fact, some dogs catch 2 different strains at the same time! Therefore, even when a dog is vaccinated properly, a Chihuahua can still catch this.
How is This Diagnosed?
If your Chihuahua displays the symptoms, you will want to bring your dog to the veterinarian for a complete checkup. The vet will look at your dog’s symptoms and ask about exposure to other dogs. In some cases, the vet may perform blood tests and bacterial cultures.
Prevention
Vaccination, of course, must be done to prevent the most common cause of Kennel Cough, thus reducing the risk; but not eliminating it. The Bordateela vaccine can be either injected or given via intranasal (which means that it is squirted up and into the dog’s nose).
When injected, 2 doses should be given, 3 to 4 weeks apart. Protection will not begin until after the 2nd injection.
When given intranasally, this is usually done using both Parainfluenza and Bordetella together. Only 1 dose is needed and can be given to a Chihuahua as young as 3 weeks old. Protection begins within 3 days and usually not more than 5.
A yearly booster shot is recommended. For any dogs who are in circumstances of having a greater chance of exposure, a booster shot every 6 months is recommended.
Important Note Regarding These Vaccinations
Some Chihuahuas will develop mild signs of Kennel Cough, once given the vaccine. Most often, this only lasts a few days and no treatment is needed. Also, when your dog is vaccinated, they can then transmit the Kennel Cough to other dogs. This is called the “Shedding Phase” and most often lasts under 72 hours.
For these reasons, a puppy should not be given the intranasal vaccine within 72 hours of being exposed to other dogs. It is best to time the vaccination to be given right after a period of no contact with other dogs for 4 days in a row.
Young puppies, who do not yet have all of their shots, should not be exposed to other dogs outside your home.
Any time that your Chihuahua is in a place in which they are exposed to germs, there is the potential to catch those germs. One of the places that is usually filled with a lot of germs is the veterinarian’s office. You need to bring your dog for regular checkups…so what can you do?
Never drop your Chihuahua off at the vet. Stay with your dog at all times, keep them close to you…and it may be best to have them in a comfortable crate where sick dogs will not be able to easily spread germs. If any dog in the vet office is coughing, It is suggested to cover the crate with a light baby blanket.
Can Humans Catch This?
The answer may surprise you. Until very recently, Kennel Cough was thought to be a zero health risk for humans. However, recent studies have shown that the Bordetella Bronchiseptica virus may cause illness in people with very low immune systems and with very young children. The various viruses that come under the category of Kennel Cough can be transmitted via contact and are also airborne. Washing all surfaces, wearing gloves to handle sick dogs and having a good ventilation system can help protect those who would be susceptible.
Healthy humans, over the age of 5, are not at risk.
"Woof, rufff, rrrr...arf, umphf!" Translation: "Hi! Before you finish reading this, if you like what you've read so far and think it's interesting...And if you like this website, please share it before you read on!"
The answer may surprise you. Until very recently, Kennel Cough was thought to be a zero health risk for humans. However, recent studies have shown that the Bordetella Bronchiseptica virus may cause illness in people with very low immune systems and with very young children. The various viruses that come under the category of Kennel Cough can be transmitted via contact and are also airborne. Washing all surfaces, wearing gloves to handle sick dogs and having a good ventilation system can help protect those who would be susceptible.
Healthy humans, over the age of 5, are not at risk.
"Woof, rufff, rrrr...arf, umphf!" Translation: "Hi! Before you finish reading this, if you like what you've read so far and think it's interesting...And if you like this website, please share it before you read on!"
How are Pregnant Dogs with Kennel Cough Treated???
Simple cases of kennel cough are very responsive to the antibiotic Amoxycillin. Amoxycillin is a B-lactam antibiotic, closely related to penicillin. Because some of the strains of Streptococcus and Staphylococcus are now resistant to Amoxycillin... the antibiotic is usually combined with a secondary antibiotic called clavulanic acid, which helps to overcome this resistance.
Amoxycillin/clavulanic acid combinations are safe to use with pregnant and lactating female dogs. Should newborns have Kennel Cough, it is safe to use on newborns as well.
You should expect the dose to be between 15-20mg/kg orally, given two times a day. It is generally prescribed for 10-14 days.
Clavulox is available as a syrup if your Chihuahua has trouble with pills.
To Summarize
Because the term “Kennel Cough” has lingered so long as a term that implies this is a canine disease that only unkempt, uncared for dogs in crowded, unsanitary conditions can develop…so many Chihuahua owners are not aware that this is a real health issue that can affect any dog.
Once you understand that “Kennel Cough” is a respiratory, highly contagious disease, you can then take proper steps to help protect your Chihuahua, notice early symptoms and seek treatment if necessary.
Simple cases of kennel cough are very responsive to the antibiotic Amoxycillin. Amoxycillin is a B-lactam antibiotic, closely related to penicillin. Because some of the strains of Streptococcus and Staphylococcus are now resistant to Amoxycillin... the antibiotic is usually combined with a secondary antibiotic called clavulanic acid, which helps to overcome this resistance.
Amoxycillin/clavulanic acid combinations are safe to use with pregnant and lactating female dogs. Should newborns have Kennel Cough, it is safe to use on newborns as well.
You should expect the dose to be between 15-20mg/kg orally, given two times a day. It is generally prescribed for 10-14 days.
Clavulox is available as a syrup if your Chihuahua has trouble with pills.
To Summarize
Because the term “Kennel Cough” has lingered so long as a term that implies this is a canine disease that only unkempt, uncared for dogs in crowded, unsanitary conditions can develop…so many Chihuahua owners are not aware that this is a real health issue that can affect any dog.
Once you understand that “Kennel Cough” is a respiratory, highly contagious disease, you can then take proper steps to help protect your Chihuahua, notice early symptoms and seek treatment if necessary.
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