Pet owners warned as cases of contagious infection rise – Gloucestershire Live
Dog owners are being advised to closely monitor their pets due to a contagious disease that can cause some serious symptoms. While many relish the colder months for their comforting beverages, festive festivities, and brisk weather that provides an ideal excuse to stay indoors and binge-watch favourite programmes, a significant drawback is the increase in illness and infectious diseases.
It's not just humans who are susceptible during this period, as our pets are also more likely to contract an illness as the seasons shift. With this in mind, one senior vet has urged dog owners to watch out for any signs in their dogs' behaviour that they are under the weather, as cases of kennel cough are rising, reports the Daily Record.
Also referred to as the 'honking cough', this canine ailment typically spreads quickly in kennels, doggy daycares and parks through direct contact, airborne droplets or contaminated surfaces. While a healthy dog may have a better chance of combating the disease, older dogs, puppies, and those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to infection and can experience severe complications, remaining contagious for longer.
While minor cases of kennel cough can usually be resolved with plenty of rest and hydration, dogs with more severe cases may require medication. For pet owners unsure of what to look out for, Daniella Dos Santos, Senior Vet at IVC Evidensia, and veterinarian Iryna Smyrnova in collaboration with Bubblegum Search, shared the warning signs, as well as when it is best to see a vet and what treatments are available.
Kennel cough is predominantly caused by a range of viruses and bacteria, including Bordetella bronchiseptica and the canine parainfluenza virus. These pathogens can affect a dog's respiratory system and can be transmitted through airborne particles, direct contact, and shared objects such as toys, bedding and food bowls. Due to its rapid spread, outbreaks in kennels, daycares, and shelters can escalate quickly.
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