Commonly, kennel cough presents as coughing, which may be associated with gagging or retching. In certain occasions, the cough can also be accompanied by fever. Severe cases of kennel cough, which is usually seen in young puppies who have not yet been vaccinated, can present as lethargy and lack of appetite.

Kennel cough can be caused by both viruses and bacteria. Common agents that cause the disease include the parainfluenza virus, mycoplasma and bordetella. Most of the time, kennel cough is caused by more than one kind of organism. These organisms can be spread through the air and via both direct and indirect contact with contaminated material.

Certain factors may make the dog more susceptible to acquiring the disease. These include stress and temperature extremes, to name a few.

Kennel cough is diagnosed based on the signs and symptoms of the disease that occur approximately 1 week after the dog is exposed to another infected dog. The diagnosis of kennel cough becomes more certain when the dog has a history of exposure to other dogs recently, especially if the dogs remain in close confinement. Examples of this include dogs that are staying in hospitals or animal shelters, and during dog shows. Although usually not necessary, bacterial culture and other laboratory examinations can be performed to ascertain the diagnosis of kennel cough.

In general, kennel cough is a mild condition, usually resolving spontaneously; however, it can become a serious illness in certain situations, especially if it remains untreated. Occasionally, the kennel cough can progress to more severe consequences, such as bronchitis in older dogs or pneumonia in puppies. These consequences can occasionally be fatal.

Mild cases of kennel cough typically resolve on its own. Supportive treatment, such as good nutrition and proper hygiene, is typically instituted. While your dog is recovering from the disease, it is best to keep him isolated from other dogs for a couple of weeks. By doing this, the spread of the disease can be minimized. You can opt to give your dog cough suppressants to control the coughing. You may also give bronchodilators to relieve any difficulty of breathing. Some veterinarians also give corticosteroids to minimize the inflammation and other symptoms of kennel cough.

For more severe cases of kennel cough, antibiotics may be given to treat the bacterial infection. Bronchodilators may be given as well. For more severe cases, it is also prudent to consult your veterinarian, as the disease may progress if not treated promptly and appropriately.

One of the most important aspects in the management of the said disease is prevention. Immunizing the dog against the common agents of kennel cough, such as canine adenovirus, parainfluenza and distemper, can help prevent your dog from getting infected with the disease.

In general, there are two routes for administration of the kennel cough vaccine: intranasal and injectable. Both the intranasal and injectable forms of the vaccine may not be able to protect the dog from acquiring the disease completely, but can help decrease the severity of the illness. Both routes are initially given to the dog as a puppy, and both have to be given as a booster annually.

The intranasal route provides local immunity to the dog, and specifically protects the site of the infection. Giving intranasal vaccine significantly reduces the signs and symptoms of the illness. When giving intranasal vaccine, keep in mind that it takes approximately 4 days before the dog is able to develop protection from the disease; thus, it is important to give at least 4 days before exposing your dog to other dogs that may harbor the disease, such as in dog shows.

On the other hand, the injectable route provides systemic immunity to the dog. The injectable form of the vaccine is advocated for more aggressive dogs.

Aside from immunization, it is also important to keep your dog away from agents of the disease. It is important to disinfect cages or kennels, especially where infected dogs have stayed in. Also, it is necessary that kennels are provided with adequate ventilation. Dog handlers should also employ proper handwashing techniques to avoid spreading the disease.

Aside from the characteristic cough, kennel cough can also present as sneezing, gagging, retching or snorting. These symptoms are especially prominent after the dog exercises or when the dog is excited. The symptoms of kennel cough can also be elicited by applying gentle pressure on the dog’s throat. There may also be note of an associated discharge coming from the dog’s nose, which, in more severe cases, can become purulent.

Usually, the dog remains active and alert even if the dog has kennel cough. However, more severe cases of kennel cough have been associated with lethargy, loss of appetite and fever. Repeated coughing can also result in difficulty of breathing. Left untreated, severe cases of kennel cough can result in progression of the symptoms, and in worst situations, death.

Typically, the symptoms of kennel cough appear a week after exposure to another dog afflicted with the disease, such as in animal hospitals and dog shelters. The symptoms of kennel cough can last anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of kennel cough is important in order to protect your dog from the said disease. By recognizing these symptoms, you will be able to institute the proper treatment and prevent the progression of the disease.

To be on the safe side, it is best to consult a veterinarian whenever your dog experiences cough or any of the other symptoms of kennel cough.

Several homeopathic remedies have been known to minimize the symptoms of kennel cough. One of these homeopathic remedies is Drosera, which is effective in managing your dog’s dry cough. If your dog appears to have phlegm but can’t cough it out, Dulcamara may be a better choice. For cough that has associated phlegm, Coccus is quite helpful to your pet. Another homeopathic remedy is Bryonia. Bryonia, given 3 times a day, is also useful in managing the symptoms of kennel cough.

Another problem in kennel cough is the associated throat irritation. Giving approximately a teaspoon of honey 3 times a day can help ease the irritation in your dog’s throat.

Aside from relieving the symptoms of kennel cough, it is also important to strengthen your dog’s immune system. By doing this, your dog will be able to fight off infections more effectively and prevent the kennel cough from progressing into a more complicated form. Try giving your dog a daily dose of vitamin C. Approximately 500 mg for bigger dogs and 250 mg for smaller dogs can significantly boost your dog’s immunity. Also, giving your dog food supplements daily ensures that your dog is receiving all the necessary vitamins and minerals that may be lacking in his or her diet. Several drops of herbal tinctures, such as Echinacea Goldenseal, and colloidal silver can also have the same effect.

These easy and useful home remedies and treatments can surely make your dog kennel cough - free and definitely healthy!

• Genetic diseases, such as hip dysplasia, deafness and progressive retinal atrophy;
• Cancer and tumors, such as lipomas, papillomas, melanoma and lymphoma;
• and toxicities to certain substances, such as chocolates, grapes, alcohol and household chemicals.

However, the most common category of diseases affecting dogs remains to be infectious diseases.

Infectious diseases are caused by different organisms, namely viruses, bacteria, parasites and even fungi. Dogs can get infected with these organisms via several routes. Direct spread of these organisms can occur from one dog to another, while other organisms need a specific agent, such as a mosquito, to be transmitted.

One of the most commonly associated diseases with dogs is rabies, which is an infectious disease caused by a virus. Rabies is generally a fatal disease, and is transmitted via the bite of another infected dog. Rabies usually results in the deterioration of the dog’s brain, leading to odd and aggressive behaviors. Drooling and swallowing problems are common with rabid dogs. Dogs with rabies usually die from paralysis of the respiratory muscles. Any human or dog who has experienced a dog bite should be immediately treated with rabies vaccine to prevent serious and deadly consequences.

Another common viral disease in dogs is distemper. It is typically characterized by the presence of eye discharge, cough, colds, diarrhea, difficulty in breathing, and occasionally, paralysis and seizures. Similar to rabies, distemper can also be a fatal disease, especially to puppies. The most important aspect in the management of distemper is prevention via annual vaccination.

Parvovirus is another common disease in dogs. Parvovirus typically presents as bloody diarrhea, loss of appetite and vomiting. Transmission is through contact with contaminated feces. Treatment involves the use of intravenous fluids in order to prevent dehydration. Infection with parvovirus can be prevented by giving your dog the necessary vaccine.

Aside from these diseases, other common viral diseases affecting dogs include herpesvirus, characterized by nasal discharge and bleeding; infectious canine hepatitis, characterized by fever, loss of appetite, bleeding and abdominal pain; and influenza, characterized by fever, cough and runny nose.

Bacterial diseases also commonly affect dogs. Bordetella is a common cause of infectious tracheobronchitis, more popularly known as kennel cough. Leptospirosis is another widespread bacterial disease in dogs, which is characterized by vomiting, stiffness of the muscles and changes in bowel and urine habits. Leptospirosis occurs more commonly during the rainy season.

Dogs are also favorite hosts of parasites. Ticks and fleas are common in households with dogs. Infection with these parasites can become serious, especially with the increased incidence of tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease. Dogs are also usually infected with intestinal worms, including roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms. These intestinal worms are usually transmitted in the dog’s feces. Numerous treatments, such as shampoos, conditioners and worm medications, are currently available in the market for various parasitic diseases in dogs.

Heartworm is another serious disease in dogs. It is caused by a parasite that lodges in the dog’s circulatory system and heart. Left untreated, the disease can lead to heart failure and ultimately become fatal. Prevention with a vaccine or heartworm medications are important in order to protect your dog from this disease.

Ringworm infection is the most common fungal disease affecting dogs. The skin becomes infected with the fungi, leading to loss of hair and scaling. Infection with ringworm can be treated by giving your dog specific ringworm medications.

A dog owner is responsible for protecting his dog and providing it with its basic needs. As a dog owner, it is important to be aware of the more common kinds of diseases that can affect your dog. By understanding the basics of these common diseases, you will be able to help in preventing your dog from acquiring these ailments. Proper immunizations and regular check-ups with your veterinarian are essential in pet care, to make sure that your dog is healthy and free of disease. It is also important to recognize when your dog becomes infected with a serious and possibly fatal disease, for you to be able to participate in the management of your dog’s condition. Aside from these, it is also necessary to be acquainted with these basic dog diseases, as some of them can be transmitted to humans. By becoming aware of such illnesses, you are protecting both your dog and yourself from getting infected.

The mild form of kennel cough occurs more commonly than the severe form of the disease. Often, mild cases of kennel cough resolve on its own and require only supportive management, such as providing the dog with healthy meals in order to strengthen the dog’s immune system. Also, proper hygiene is important to prevent the progression of the disease and keep the dog from acquiring other illnesses. Keeping the dog’s environment clean, such as by disinfecting kennels, are also essential. Although not necessary, some medications may still be helpful if your dog has kennel cough. Cough suppressants can lessen your dog’s coughing. Bronchodilators, such as aminophylline, can help make your dog breathe better. Steroids, such as prednisone, can also help by decreasing the inflammation in your dog’s respiratory system, and will help lessen the severity of your dog’s cough.

The complicated form of the disease requires more aggressive treatment. Aside from the aforementioned supportive measures, antibiotics, such as cephalosporins and quinolones, should be given in severe cases to treat the bacterial infection. The type of antibiotic given to the dog should be based on the results of culture and sensitivity testing, in order to specifically target the offending organism. Giving of fever medications can also help relieve your dog’s fever. Bronchodilators, such as those used in mild cases, may likewise be given. However, cough suppressants and steroids should not be given in severe cases, as these drugs exert an immunosuppressive effect, which may make the dog more prone to infection.

When your dog has kennel cough, it is important to consult your veterinarian regarding the proper dosages of the medications.