Pet Info

This disease is caused by a virus related to measles and affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. It is a highly contagious illness, and is transmitted via airborne droplets from infected dogs. Symptoms may include a fever, runny nose, watery eyes, and can progress to twitching muscles, paralysis, and seizures. Treatment includes supportive fluid therapy, and antibiotics for secondary infections. Vaccination is recommended for all dogs for this potentially fatal disease.

This virus causes almost half of all upper respiratory disease in cats, and can be transmitted by an infected animal coughing and sneezing, or by contaminated objects (fomites). Symptoms include sneezing, a runny nose, watery eyes, and a fever. Treatment usually involves supprtive care and may include antibiotics for secondary infections. Most affected cats recover, although the prognosis can be more guarded for very young kittens and geriatric cats. Some affected cats will have chronic relapses of the virus. Vaccination is recommended for all cats

It is fairly common for your pet to experience some or all of the following side effects – usually starting within hours of vaccination and lasting no longer than a few days. If these side effects last more than a few days please contact Doylestown Veterinary Hospital. – discomfort and mild swelling at the vaccination site – mild fever – decreased appetite and activity – sneezing or other respiratory signs (following an intranasal vaccine)

Just like humans get colds and flu, dogs can too. However, most pet parents are not familiar with infectious canine tracheobronchitis, previously referred to as “Kennel Cough,” more accurately known as “Canine Cough.” Canine Cough is a general term used to describe a highly contagious cough caused by one of several infectious agents and can be either viral or bacterial. The most common cause is a bacterium called Bordetella bronchiseptica. If you give your dog the Bordetella vaccine it will be protected from the particular strains in the vaccine itself, but not necessarily from all contagious coughs. There are several things we can’t vaccinate for that can cause the same contagious cough symptoms.
Canine Cough is found worldwide and will infect a high percentage of dogs during their lifetime. It can spread anywhere dogs come into contact with each other….the dog park, group training classes, the vet’s office, play time at a friend’s house, or even at a quality pet care facility. The price of socialization – which is essential to the well-being of your dog – is possible exposure to disease. A good doggy daycare or pet care facility will take all possible steps to minimize the spread of Canine Cough and other illnesses. Make sure the facility you select requires current vaccinations, including the Bordetella vaccine. Ask about cleaning protocols for areas in which dogs congregate, and for toys and leashes that are shared. Take a tour and make sure there is plenty of fresh air circulation and that employees are cleaning their hands frequently.

All pet care facilities, doggy daycares, grooming salons and veterinary hospitals deal with Canine Cough. Like humans with a cold, dogs can be contagious and spread the illness to others before showing any signs of being sick. This makes it very difficult for pet care professionals and pet parents to identify asymptomatic dogs with Canine Cough. If your dog shows symptoms of Canine Cough, such as sneezing, nasal discharge, or a deep cough, be sure to seek care from your veterinarian. For most dogs the illness lasts from seven to ten days and is often simply a nuisance. Treatment may involve antibiotics, a cough suppressant or TLC at home, depending on your dog’s symptoms.

If your dog develops a cough, it is important to keep him or her at home and away from other dogs for several days until all signs of illness are gone. The good news is that for otherwise healthy dogs with normal immune systems, regular exposure to other dogs may help to build immunity to several of the strains of Canine Cough.