Do you think that your Puggle puppy is creating what it seems to be a honking sound? Think again because he might be suffering from tracheobronchitis, commonly known as kennel cough.
Tracheobronchitis is a highly contagious disease that is characterized by inflammation of the upper respiratory system. The disease is caused by both virus and bacteria and is spread through the air by sneezing and coughing of infected dogs. It can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces and through direct contact. It is referred to as tracheobronchitis to indicate a form of bronchitis that affects the dog’s trachea.
Your Puggle puppy may experience symptoms such as dry coughing, retching, sneezing, snorting or gagging that could last for 10 to 20 days. In severe cases, symptoms include lethargy, fever, lack of appetite and even death in very severe cases. These symptoms and a history of recent exposure to other dogs are usually the basis of the diagnosis.
Antibiotic is prescribed to treat this bacterial infection. Steroids or cough suppressants are used when the cough is not productive (nothing being coughed up); however, using steroids has the risk of immunosuppressive that reduces the function of the immune system. It is important to have your dog examined by a veterinarian to control this disease and prevent it from getting worst. What you thought is a mere kennel cough may result to pneumonia if not treated properly and promptly.
In order for you and your Puggle puppy not to go through the hassles caused by this disease, prevention is important. The best preventive measure is to never expose your young Puggle puppy to other dogs especially to those possible carriers of the disease. Then make sure that your puppy has his dose of vaccine against several agents causing kennel cough, mainly parainfluenza and adenovirus. And be sure to observe precautions and warning that pertains to vaccine. After vaccination as puppies, a yearly booster is recommended. On the other hand, dogs that are not at very high risk are vaccinated every six months.
In kennels, strict hygiene with careful disinfecting and cleaning of cages, and food and water bowls is the best prevention. It is also important that handlers should wear gloves and use proper hand washing to help prevent the spread of the disease and also to avoid risking himself of the disease.
Along with these treatments and preventive measures, caring for your dog the best way you can will contribute to his fast recovery and help bring back his healthy condition.
