Category: Diseases

sudden death in puppies

These 2 conditions can lead to sudden death in puppies

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Your new puppy has just had his first check-up with your veterinarian and your vet detected a heart murmur on auscultation. What is the significance and can it cause sudden death in puppies?

What is an heart murmur?

Before answering this question, it is important to know what a heart murmur is. It is described as an echo that is heard at the same time or following the jerky noise produced by the closing of the valves during the heartbeat. The echo in question is produced by the turbulence of the blood. Normally, the flow of blood is linear, that is, it moves in a straight line, always in the same direction.

In certain circumstances, the linearity of the blood flow is disturbed and is then projected in several directions. For example, in the presence of anemia where there are fewer red blood cells in the system, the blood is clearer and therefore tends to be turbulent. In contrast, during severe dehydration, the blood is thicker and therefore does not circulate well in the blood vessels which will again cause turbulence.

premature death in puppies

Another example is when there is a heart valve that is not tight. In this case, the blood will be forced through the defective valve in the previous compartment which will again cause turbulence. The same phenomenon applies when there is a defect in the heart or when the heart muscle does not contract normally.

It is also possible to hear a heart murmur that is not associated with any abnormalities. We then speak of physiological or benign murmur. This one is very common in growing dogs. When the murmur is associated with a functional or structural cardiac abnormality, it is referred to as a pathological murmur.

Gradation of heart murmurs

Heart murmurs are graded from I to VI. Each grade represents the intensity of the breath. Grade I is associated with a very low intensity murmur, heard in one place only. The higher the grade, the more easily the murmur is audible wherever the heart is heard.

In a grade VI murmur, it is audible even with the stethoscope removed from the chest wall. However, it is very important to know that the intensity of the murmur is not associated with the severity of the injury. So a grade VI murmur does not represent a higher risk of sudden death in puppies. This is because a dog with a very serious heart problem may have a grade I / VI murmur while a dog with a grade VI / VI murmur may have a minor injury.

The gradation scale is useful to allow, in some cases, to differentiate between physiological murmurs which are always less than the IV/VI range in intensity and pathological murmurs which can be of any intensity. Veterinarians also use the gradation scale to communicate with each other in a systematic way about a case and also to monitor the evolution of the intensity of a murmur over time.

Gradation of heart murmurs in puppies

Benign or pathological murmur

When a murmur is auscultated in a 6 month old dog or younger, it is important to try to determine whether it is a benign or pathological murmur since for this age group a murmur is the first manifestation of most congenital heart abnormalities. Screening such conditions at a young age can allow to correct this defect and thus provide a normal life expectancy while the same lesion, if not detected, can lead to heart failure and sudden death in puppies.

For abnormalities that cannot be corrected and have a poor prognosis, immediate detection may allow the dog owner to understand that a serious problem exists as opposed to discovering it in a an emergency situation where there is possible cardiac decompensation.

There are differences between physiological and pathological murmurs which sometimes allow us to distinguish them, but there is also a large gray area between the two categories, which often makes the cause of the murmur unclear. The diagnostic process can then be tackled in two different ways, either a complete evaluation including ultrasound or a reassessment by auscultation no more than 3 weeks later. If the murmur goes away at that time, it is likely that the cause is physiological and there is no need to further investigate. On the other hand, if it persists, it is strongly advised to perform a full assessment.

Benign or pathological murmur

Congenital ventricular arrhythmia: another risk of sudden death in puppies

Congenital ventricular arrhythmia, sometimes called congenital ventricular ectopia, is a particular form of inherited heart rhythm disorder which has been observed in breeds suchs as the German Shepherd but the mode of genetic transmission is currently unknown.

Dogs show no clinical signs but die prematurely, typically in his night’s sleep or while resting. Death usually occurs around the age of 4 to 18 months.

Stabilization of arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is rarely present before the age of 12 weeks. It progresses gradually up to 24 to 30 weeks. Depending on the dog’s condition, we can observe the following:

Congenital ventricular arrhythmia in puppies

  • Worsening of arrhythmias up to sudden death in puppies
  • A decrease in arrhythmias which can go until they disappear after 18 months

Congenital ventricular arrhythmia is still poorly understood. When this condition was originally detected in United States, four families of German Shepherds with the same common ancestor were identified. Subsequently, other cases were diagnosed, especially in the US and great Britain.

Diagnosis of congenital ventricular arrhythmia is a challenge

In the absence of clinical signs, the diagnosis is particularly delicate. A suspicion is possible if a cardiac arrhythmia is evidenced by auscultation. But the arrhythmia is most often very intermittent. For the same reasons, the results of a routine EKG are often times not showing anything abnormal and in severe cases, it may show ventricular abnormalities.

A Holter exam is often required to identify the abnormality (but it can also go unnoticed). The biological, radiographic and echocardiographic examinations of these dogs can also return normal results.

Stabilization of arrhythmias

Treatment for congenital ventricular arrhythmia

There is currently no satisfactory medical treatment that can be used on a consistent basis. Some treatments can only partially control the situation and allow the dog to pass the 18 month period, beyond which the prognosis is generally more favorable.

how to diagnose kennel cough

How to diagnose kennel cough in dogs

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In this article we will review how to diagnose kennel cough and discuss appropriate prevention measures. In general, kennel cough is mostly characterized by a dry and strong cough. This cough is accompanied by a clear to thick discharge from the eyes or nose. More serious forms can manifest with fever, fatigue and a fatty cough which can lead to the death of the dog.

Symptoms usually appear 3 to 10 days after infection. But be careful, your dog can be a carrier and vector of the disease without showing any visible signs for several weeks.

These symptoms last for a few days to several weeks. Many factors can influence the duration of the pathology such as the condition of the dog, the number of pathogens involved or the density of the dog population in the immediate environment.

propagation of kennel cough

Transmission of pathogens

A large number of pathogens, viruses or bacteria, are responsible for kennel cough. For some, they can cause kennel cough on their own. For others, they work in combination to make the disease break out. In this case, the symptoms are often worse and the treatment is more complicated.

Pathogens are transmitted by respiratory secretions, by direct contact or through objects in the environment (clothing, hands, bowls, etc.)

Types of kennel cough pathogens

The 3 main agents most often found are canine adenovirus, para influenza and bordetella bronchiseptica.

Canine para inluenza and adenovirus

These two viruses are transmitted through respiratory secretions from 3 to 4 days up to 14 days after infection. Then the contagion is much weaker. The adenovirus virus is very resistant in the outdoor environment. For disinfection we recommend Spectragen (1% dilution, 10ml in 1 L of water). The para influenza virus is much more sensitive, so a standard disinfectant like alviral is sufficient.

pathogens causing the disease

Bordetella brochiseptica

Bordetella brochiseptica can infect an individual without triggering a reaction for weeks or months, leaving ample time for this bacterium to spread. Bordetella bronchiseptica is the most resistant pathogen. It can stay in the soil for up to 45 days. Bordetella bronchiseptica is sensitive to very specific disinfectants such as odophyl.

How to diagnose kennel cough

It is important to properly diagnose this disease, which requires strict hygiene measures to eradicate its spread. Clinical signs and recent contact with other congeners should alert you. It is preferable to identify the pathogens in order to put in place the appropriate sanitary measures, which will require a blood test.

There is also a rapid test to detect the presence of adenovirus in eye fluids. The animal health science is also working on the development of rapid tests for other pathogens.

Treatment of kennel cough

Treatment of kennel cough

Once you know how to diagnose kennel cough, you need to understand how treat it. Treatment starts with a review of the dog’s environment and the identification of the risk factors.

Places where the dog population is in high density favor the propagation of kennel cough such as community life and frequent participation to dog shows. The greater the number of animals in your dog’s environment, the higher is the risk. In these situations, you must therefore be vigilant to limit the spread of pathogens by respecting the following rules.

Implement forward walking and sectorization

The transmission of pathogens occurs mainly from person to person. It is therefore essential to separate suspicious dogs from sensitive animals such as puppies. The practice of forward walking is important in order to protect the most vulnerable animals.

prevent transmission of the disease

It is also advisable to quarantine dogs that leave the kennel for dog shows or from other kennels. This quarantine is strongly recommended if you have a litter.

Maintain body temperature to limit the risk of infection

The temperature of young puppies is very important during their first 4 weeks. You must therefore ensure that it is maintained via lamps and heated mats. You must also insulate your litters and dogs from the cold concrete or tiled areas with straws, blankets, etc.

Hygrometry & Ventilation

By following hygrometry and ventilation standards required in dog breeding, you will limit the survival of pathogens.

Of course, cleaning and disinfection must be carried out on livestock buildings regularly to reduce the presence of parasites. If there is a kennel cough, it is advisable to use a disinfectant suitable for the pathogen.

The immunity conferred by breast milk in puppies tends to decrease around 6 weeks, therefore it is advisable to reinforce the disinfection plans at 4 weeks and up to 9 weeks (i.e. one week after the first vaccinations).

Kennel cough vaccination

Vaccination

Vaccination can effectively fight against kennel cough, but it does not provide 100% protection because vaccines do not act against all pathogens. Also, a vaccine protects, but does not prevent infection. A dog can therefore be a carrier of the pathogens targeted by the vaccine by being a healthy carrier or by having poorly developed symptoms.

Treatment of kennel cough requires the intervention of the veterinarian. In general, a bronchodilator and a cough suppressant are sufficient, but the use of antibiotics and corticosteroids are sometimes necessary to stop the progression.

 

endocrine disease in dogs

The Endocrine disease in dogs can be deadly

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The endocrine tissue is a collection of organs or groups of cells that have in common the ability to produce chemical messages in the form of hormones. The endocrine disease in dogs result from excess or deficiency in hormonal secretion.

Causes of the endocrine disease in dogs

Diseases of the endocrine system result either from a defect in hormonal secretion, resulting in signs of deficiency, or on the contrary from exacerbated functioning which causes symptoms related to excess hormones.

defect in hormonal secretion in dogs

Dogs can present abnormalities in the development of the glands or disorders in their functioning, and the hormonal deficit is generally more serious when the animal is young. Unfortunately, most puppies with these glandular conditions die early.

In adult dogs, the origin of endocrine hypofunction, namely insufficient functioning of the endocrine glands, remains generally unknown, especially since the signs appear later in the life of the animal.

As for the excess secretions, they are often the consequences of a dog tumor. However, the functioning of the endocrine glands can also simply be disrupted by the administration of hormonal drugs.

Endocrine disease in dogs: Veterinary examinations and diagnosis

Most symptoms, such as hair loss or behavior disorders, are not necessarily typical of a specific hormonal impairment, and biological abnormalities are sometimes more characteristic of the condition. Hormone levels fluctuate continuously over the course of a day. Dynamic or functional explorations are necessary to find out the real condition of the gland functions.

endocrine hypofunction in dogs

A stimulation test by the administration of a special solution makes it possible to evaluate the maximum secretion capacity of the gland. Due to hormonal interactions, and the possible imprecision of clinical signs, it is often necessary to test several glands during the examination. Also, the pituitary gland, located in the cranial box, is only visible by CT or MRI.

As for scintigraphy, it makes it possible to explore rare thyroid tumors, and therefore assess their extent. You should also know that unlike humans or cats, thyroid tumors in dogs are not secretory.

Treatment of the Endocrine disease

The objectives of a treatment of diseases of the dog’s endocrine system are aimed at compensating for production deficits, or on the contrary to limit their excess.

Veterinary examinations of the dog's endocrine system

This takes the form of an hormone replacement therapy through the administration of substances similar to the missing hormones to compensate for a deficiency. These treatments are most often permanent, for the balance of a dog’s life. Hormone replacement therapy is used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus in dogs, hyperthyroidism or even hypocorticism.

Surgery is also an option and consists in removing the tumor(s) responsible for the increased production of hormones. Also, radiation therapy can be offered to treat pituitary tumors.

Unfortunately, an endocrine disease in dogs often leads to complications, such as infection, which requires additional medical treatment until hormonal stabilization.

diseases of the endocrine system in dogs

The origin the disease

Hypothyroidism

When the thyroid glands are gradually destroyed or they no longer function properly, thyroid hormones are no longer produced in sufficient quantity, if at all, and all the functioning of the organism is affected. This translates into disruptions in the regulation of the body temperature, metabolism, heart functions, etc. The dog’s level of energy is decreasing, he may gain or lose weight, his coat is less beautiful and less dense, his mouth may be swollen (edema), and me may develop behavioral problems.

Dogs of all breeds, male or female, are mostly affected between 2 and 6 years old. The veterinarian will treat the animal with synthetic hormones, which usually results in a fairly quick recovery but the treatment will be required for life.

German Shepherd skin allergies

German Shepherd Skin Allergies: Key Recommendations

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German shepherd skin allergies are a common problem for owners of this breed.

Owning a German shepherd brings a lot of joy and happiness to our lives, but it comes with a responsibility. Despite their qualities, German shepherds are more prone to skin allergies than other dog breeds. So, your dog will have to face that challenge on a continuous basis and it will make him restless.

Skin allergies in German shepherds can be painful, irritating and make them uncomfortable. German shepherds have a thick double-layered coat protecting them from heat, cold and rain, and many other environmental conditions.

Skin allergies are common in German shepherds and 1 out of 7 dogs suffer from some kind of skin allergy. Skin allergies in dogs are often caused by a hypersensitive reaction of the immune system to any certain elements like pollen, fungi or food which is called an allergen.

types of allergies observed in German Shepherds

In this article, we will talk about German shepherd skin allergies in detail as well as other types of dog allergies.

German Shepherd Skin Allergies

German shepherds are susceptible to skin allergies due to their thick coats. They can develop skin allergies at any age in their lives, but they are more likely to do so from 1 to 5 years old.

Environmental factors like dust, mites, fleas, etc., play a major role in skin allergies of German shepherds. These allergies are triggered by allergens that are commonly present in the environment or food.

Genetic mutations are also a factor causing skin allergies. Canine atopic dermatitis is the most reported skin allergy among German shepherds. Some other skin allergies are also observed such as:

  • Flea allergy dermatitis
  • Pollen related allergies
  • Bacterial skin infection
  • Contact dermatitis

allergens in a dog's environment

Flea Allergy

Allergy caused by fleas affects dogs more than other types. Flea allergy is also easy to detect as you will see fleas on your lovely dog. It makes the skin really itchy and inflamed.

Your dog will start licking, biting and scratching severely after getting bitten by fleas. Flea allergy is transmitted by the saliva of infected fleas. Even a single bite of a flea is enough to transmit allergy.

House dust mites can also cause flea allergy. This can lead to secondary bacterial or yeast infection as well.

Environmental Allergens

Tree/grass pollens, mold spores and dust are the common allergens that contribute to itchy skin. Most of the environmental allergies are seasonal, primarily occurring in the spring and the fall.

Other allergies can occur at any time of the year. When inhaled, these allergens can cause Atopic Dermatitis in German shepherds.

Dirt and dust mites can also cause breathing problems along with skin allergies. Pollen allergy is usually worse and chronic in German shepherds than other dog breeds.

allergies in german shepherd puppies

Contact Allergy

Contact allergies are least common in German shepherds. When the skin of a dog, like neck, paws, tail, etc, comes in contact with an irritant compound, this can cause severe rashes and itching.

Some agents like cleaning substances, carpet fibers, or some cosmetic skin/hair products can cause allergy dermatitis when they come in contact with your dog’s skin.

It is best to note down what triggers skin allergy in your German shepherd so that you can eliminate such allergens around in his environment.

Speaking of contact, a dog may get infected by elements in his environment. One example is poison ivy and you can get more information from this guide: Can Dogs Get Poison Ivy?

Food Allergy

German shepherds are allergic to some foods such as potatoes, dairy, meat proteins, eggs, and certain legumes like soy, peas, etc. Many people wonder if there is a connection between food and skin allergies in German shepherds. The answer is yes!

Food hypersensitivity causes skin allergies in your canine friend. Even if you have been feeding the same food to your dog all his life, he can develop it at some point in his life.

So, if your dog gets allergic to some type of food, skin inflammation is one of the first signs to appear.

Food allergies can cause many skin issues in German shepherds. If a food allergy is not treated on time, it can lead to further health issues.

Bacterial secondary infection is also common in food allergies. Food allergies can also cause gastric problems which can be extremely uncomfortable.

If a skin condition is caused by a food allergy, treatment can be a bit complex, but you should consult your vet right away. Store-bought hypoallergic foods sometimes do well if the dog is suffering from extreme food allergies. In some other cases, these foods may not work or even have adverse effects.

If it doesn’t work, then you can shift your dog to homemade food with the consultation of your vet.

treatment of skin allergies in german shepherds

Signs of German Shepherd Skin Allergies

Diagnosing skin allergies can be complicated sometimes because he can show multiple symptoms. Below are some signs to look out for German shepherd skin allergies.

  • Scratching the skin
  • Shaking the head
  • Chewing and licking body parts
  • Watery red eyes
  • Dog suddenly sneezes a lot
  • Intense coughing
  • Red, smelly ears
  • Flaky skin
  • Hair/fur loss
  • Dry skin
  • Patchy skin
  • Poor coat texture
  • Vomiting
  • Gastrointestinal pain
  • Alopecia (loss of hair from some patches)

Ears, eyes, paws, legs, and stomach are of prime importance when looking for signs of allergy in your dog. Hair loss is one of the common symptoms of skin allergy that develops along with red patches or swelling.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of German shepherd skin allergies is based on physical examination and clinical signs. Skin allergies in German shepherds vary according to the types of allergens, and finding the cause is important.

Your veterinarian may ask for some tests for confirmation. The most common test checks for antigen-induced antibodies in the blood of the dog.

healthy german shepherd

Treatment of Skin Allergies

Medication is available for skin allergies. Temporary treatments provide relief from itchy skin and irritability. You can use Vaseline or coconut oil for that purpose. These solutions work for a short time only and you should not be seen as long-term fixes.

Antihistamines and corticosteroids are helpful in relieving allergic symptoms. Immunosuppressants are given in extreme cases with critical care. Antibiotics and antifungal medications are usually prescribed for secondary bacterial infections.

Allergy shots are also available for German shepherds. They help immunize dogs against allergens by slowly introducing allergens into their body. This procedure is termed immunotherapy.

Adding probiotics to your dog’s food can help him with skin inflammation and it also boosts the immune response in dogs.

Many topical shampoos with organic products are available in the market to provide relief from German shepherd skin allergies and help your canine friend feel better.

Topical creams and organic sprays are also available to provide a soothing effect to your dog’s skin.

If the skin condition gets worse, you should see your vet, especially if the fleas or ticks are the cause of the problem.

 

German Shepherd Skin Allergies Prevention Tips

German shepherds commonly get exposed to skin allergies but there are some preventive measures you can follow to reduce their risk of exposure to allergens.

  • You should get a flea preventive treatment for your German shepherd every three months.
  • Make sure to provide them with a clean environment (like keeping the fleas away) to minimize allergic reactions. Cleaning your house properly, vacuuming carpets and getting rid of dust mites will help your German shepherd stay safe.
  • Regular washing of your dog’s bedding, toys and food bowls is always a good idea to help reduce infections, including skin allergies.
  • You should not give your German shepherd a diet containing dyes or preservatives.
  • Use an air purifier to cleanse the air. It protects your German shepherd from different infectious agents and allergens.
  • Feeding high-quality nutritious food also helps them stay away from allergies. Diet having omega 3 and 6 fatty acids is best for their coat health.
  • Avoid taking your German shepherd to places where pollens can be easily found and clean their paws after returning from a walk.
  • Regular grooming like bathing and combing their hair twice a week is important to get rid of many allergens.

By controlling the symptoms of skin allergy on time, you can get rid of this problem easily. You should monitor the condition of your German shepherd regularly.

Give the complete medication dosage prescribed by your vet to heal the allergy completely.

The best thing is to hospitalize your German shepherd if he is showing severe symptoms of skin allergies. Sometimes your vet may recommend visiting a veterinary dermatologist for treatment of severe German shepherd skin allergies.

Is kennel cough contagious to cats

Is Kennel Cough Contagious to Cats?

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Is kennel cough contagious to cats, or only contagious to dogs? What causes kennel cough anyway? If cats can get it, how dangerous is it for them?

What is Kennel Cough

Also called canine infectious tracheobronchitis (trachea= breathing tube) (bronchia= bronchial tubes) (itis= inflammation of), kennel cough is a general term we use for a very infectious canine disorder.

That long medical term means “Inflammation of the trachea or/and bronchial tubes that is infectious to dogs”.

So, kennel cough is a pretty general, umbrella term.

For example, bronchitis is usually part of a larger disease, and just inflammation of the bronchial tube lining by itself. The disease is what causes the inflammation in the first place. Bronchitis is a symptom of whatever disease caused it.

Kennel cough is also similar, a symptom of the pathogen that caused it. Most (not all) kennel cough situations in dogs stem from Bordetella, but can also be caused by:

  • Bordetella bronchiseptica
  • Canine adenovirus type two
  • Canine parainfluenza virus
  • Canine respiratory coronavirus
  • Mycoplasma

Many factors lead to kennel cough

Kennel cough got its name because it is very contagious and easily spread among large groups of animals, like what you would see at the average kennel. If an animal has Kennel Cough, he is usually isolated and treated individually, somewhere he can’t infect other animals or spread his illness.

This coronavirus causing Covid-19 in humans (yes, some dogs are susceptible) is very new, as far as viruses are concerned. We may not yet have a vaccine for dogs available as you read this.

Canine respiratory coronavirus isn’t the same thing. This is caused by a different coronavirus. However, there are vaccines available for the first three pathogens you see on that list!

Is Kennel Cough Contagious to Cats?

Kennel Cough isn’t exactly one disease, but rather the name we give for a set of symptoms caused by several various pathogens. We’ve listed five of them above.

Most of us think of dogs when the term ‘kennel cough’ is mentioned, and the five individual pathogens that can cause it in dogs. But are these individual pathogens contagious to cats? Is kennel cough contagious to cats?

dog immune system

Is Bordetella contagious to cats?

Cats can indeed be exposed to the Bordetella bacteria when exposed to other infected animals (whether they be cats or dogs). Cats can shed this bacterium when they sneeze. This is extremely contagious, and can cause Kennel Cough in both dogs and cats!

Bordetella can impact the upper respiratory tract in cats, and is considered a primary pathogen.

Thankfully, there is a vaccine for it. If you don’t know whether your cat has been vaccinated or not, speak to your veterinarian!

Can Cats Get Parainfluenza Virus?

Canine parainfluenza virus can indeed spread to other animals, including cats! Cats are susceptible to several other types of influenza, including Avian influenza.

Parainfluenza causes similar respiratory symptoms as influenza, but they are caused by separate viruses. Influenza is believed to spread about the same way among cats as human influenza spreads among humans, and Canine influenza spreads among dogs!

So- the answer is yes! Cats can get both Parainfluenza and influenza, and it can cause Kennel Cough.

Dogs and cats are not immune to a cold snap

Can Cats Get Coronavirus?

There is a Feline Respiratory Coronavirus (FCoV) that can cause Kennel Cough like symptoms. In fact, there are many, many different coronaviruses! The coronavirus causing Covid-19 in humans is also said to be zoonotic, meaning it can spread to animals (including cats).

So the answer is- Yes! Cats can get some coronaviruses, and they can sometimes cause Kennel Cough like symptoms,

Remember, there isn’t just one coronavirus, but rather a large family of viruses. Cats aren’t susceptible to all of them.

Can Cats Get Mycoplasma?

This bacteria can spread easily among cats, and can indeed cause Kennel Cough like symptoms. These can include sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, and several more problems!

Dogs and cats can suffer from respiratory conditions

So the answer here is Yes, cats can get ‘Kennel Cough’ from Mycoplasma infections.

Yes, Kennel Cough is Contagious to Cats! 

It’s rarer for a healthy grown adult cat to contract Bordetella, the bacterium that most often causes Kennel Cough. This is much more common in dogs. It is still possible for cats to get this disorder!

Signs of Kennel Cough in Felines

An unpleasant or disturbing cough is what most cat owners will hear if their little one has kennel cough, but that certainly isn’t the only thing they might hear! You might get honking noises or/and dry retching. You could see other signs, like:

  • Runny nose/ocular discharge
  • Sneezing
  • Listlessness
  • Lost appetite
  • Depression
  • Low fever

That cough you hear is a pretty powerful sign that something is going on which shouldn’t be.

Can Kennel Cough be Fatal to Cats?

It really depends on what caused the disorder, but kennel cough in felines usually isn’t fatal. Most of the time, symptoms can go away within about 7-10 days.

The situation is different for young kittens and older cats, however! Kennel cough could be more dangerous to those felines with weakened, or just weaker, immune systems. In some cases, Kennel Cough can be fatal to cats with weaker immune systems.

viruses in dogs

How Can I Avoid Kennel Cough?

The pathogens that can cause kennel cough in any animal are very contagious among groups, and will easily spread among clusters of animals. You would see this more often in larger groups at a kennel, shelter, or even a park.

It’s not called ‘Kennel Cough’ by accident!

  • Vaccinate your cat for Bordetella!

-Especially important if you plan to board your cat.

  • Be cautious when introducing your cat to large groups of other animals.

What to Do If My Cat Has Kennel Cough

  1. If you suspect your cat has Kennel Cough, isolate him from other animals to prevent the disorder from spreading.
  2. Consult your veterinarian for a scheduled visit. They will likely prescribe antibiotics along with a treatment plan.
  3. Encourage rest, along with plenty of fluids.