Understanding Canine Cough

Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease, commonly called canine cough, is a serious disease affecting your dog’s upper respiratory system. This can be caused by several different items but it is most commonly caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica. All dogs are at risk, as it is a worldwide disease.

Signs to watch for

• Constant dry cough or a cough that has a honking sound
• Sneezing, hacking or retching
• A thick discharge from the eyes or nose that would be a yellow or green color.
• Fever
• Lethargy
• Decrease in appetite

Treatment

Mild cases may require a cough suppressant, more severe cases could require more antibiotics and hospitalization. Once they are on the road to recovery it could take weeks to months to clear Bordetella organisms from their respiratory tracts.

Prevention

Limiting your dog’s exposure to other animals, especially when they are a puppy. If that is not an option, vaccination is a big part of prevention.

Talk to your veterinarian for any questions and the best way to protect your furry member from getting Canine Cough.

Written by: Deidre George