This is a very common disease of the respiratory system of dogs of mixed etiology. Disease itself is not seasonal, but it is more often in the summer and autumn. It is easily spread from diseased to healthy dog, so it’s potentially a big problem in kennels, shelters and all places with large population of dogs in a small space.
The most common causes are Parainfluenza virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica. Incubation of the disease lasts for 5-7 days. After that cough occurs. Cough is of varied intensity, usually non-productive, whereby the body temperature is usually within the normal range. Dog is eating and drinking water normally but often the slightest effort or attempt barking causes hard cough.
There are more severe forms of infectious cough, compounded with superbacterial infections, where the clinical picture is much worse so the treatment itself must be much more aggressive. The treatment basically consists of the isolation of sick animals, application of suitable antibiotics and antitussives (if the cough is non-productive). Diet that consists of mushy food is advised because of irritation of the pharynx caused by inflammatory process.
Tip for owners is to regularly vaccinate their pets, and in case of cough to immediately contact their veterinarian to implement appropriate therapy.
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