KENNEL OR HOUSE COUGH
Kennel or house cough (Tracheobronchitis) is a common ailment of dogs of all ages. The cause is unknown, although keeping a dog in a hot, dry and stuffy kennel or house is thought to pave the way for the condition. Highly infectious, the disease usually runs a course of 2 to 4 weeks.
The most noticeable symptom of kennel or house cough is the cough itself. It's a deep, gagging cough that hangs on for weeks. When the cough first appears, you may think the dog has something stuck in his throat. He'll keep gagging and retching, as if he's trying to bring up something. Very often all he brings up is some foamy matter.
The pharynx, larynx and trachea become inflamed and contribute toward the cough and gagging reflex. Later, bronchitis sets in. There may be a slight rise in the dog's temperature, otherwise he will show no other marked symptoms. Exercise or excitement will aggravate the cough.
House cough by itself is not serious, but if left untreated, complications, such as pneumonia, may result. Any cough that lasts for more than two days should receive veterinary attention. Antibiotics have proved helpful in clearing up kennel or house cough.
While there is no immunization against kennel or house cough, you can take some preventive measures. Since the condition reaches its highest peak during the late fall, winter and early spring, you will have to regulate the heat and humidity in the dog's sleeping quarters. If possible, turn off the radiator in the room where the dog sleeps. Or put a pot of water on the radiator to help humidify the air.
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