Did you know that during the winter, just like humans, your pet is also more exposed to respiratory diseases, such as flu and colds? For example, during colder seasons, it is very common to find dogs diagnosed with kennel cough — the more popular name for Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CRD).

According to veterinarian Renato Costa, the increase in the number of cases of this type is justified because:

• there is a greater crowding of individuals;
•  less air flow — due to being in closed spaces);
•  the drop in temperature poses a greater challenge to the function of the immune system and makes the air drier, which dries out the nasal mucosa of animals, facilitating the entry of infectious agents.

We spoke to Dr. Renato about this disease and in this article we have gathered some information to help your four-legged friend avoid this infectious disease. Keep reading!

What causes canine flu?

Kennel cough is an infectious disease caused by different microorganisms, usually in association. The main contaminating agents are the bacteria Bordetella Bronchiseptica and the canine parainfluenza virus , which lodge in the respiratory system of animals.

Furthermore, just like human influenza, canine flu is also transmissible. Therefore, the main forms of contagion are through the air or through contact with nasal and oral secretions from infected animals. For this reason, the crowding of pets in closed spaces — such as kennels, daycare centers and hotels — facilitates the proliferation of these microbes.

Therefore, in cases of infection by the disease, it is recommended that your pet remains isolated for up to a week after all symptoms have disappeared.

Can kennel cough be passed on to humans?

This care must be taken not only with other animals, but also in interactions between the pet and its owners.

Kennel cough, a zoonotic disease, can infect people living with pets, though it is rare and can affect groups with low immunity more severely.

Main symptoms of kennel cough

Typically, the first signs of the disease begin to appear 3 to 10 days after the initial infection. The first symptoms are very similar to those of human flu:

• fever;
•  dry cough;
• nasal secretions;
• malaise.

Adult animals typically experience milder symptoms, with spontaneous improvement occurring after one to two weeks.

However, in animals that are considered “risk groups”. Those animals with compromised immunity, such as puppies, the elderly and those with pre-existing illnesses. It can develop into a more serious condition, such as pneumonia.

Therefore, when observing any of these signs, it is important to seek a veterinarian to make the correct assessment as soon as possible, to prevent the disease from progressing.

What are the Daignosis of this disease?

Normally, the diagnosis is made based on a complete evaluation carried out by the veterinarian, considering the symptoms presented and the animal’s history.

For greater accuracy, doctors may request a PCR test, similar to the one used for diagnosing Covid-19. However, Dr. Renato notes that this option is less common due to the requirement for patient anesthesia to obtain the sample for analysis.

What is the treatment for kennel cough?

After diagnosis, the veterinarian will indicate the appropriate treatment according to the patient’s condition.

In milder cases, doctors treat symptoms with cough syrups and bronchodilators until the infection resolves.

Dr. Renato recommends vaccinating your pet against infectious agents and enhancing its immunity to prevent kennel cough.

Remember that animals that belong to risk groups may require more frequent monitoring and other types of therapy.

Dr. Renato recommends vaccinating your pet against infectious agents and enhancing its immunity to prevent kennel cough.  Such as the use of supplements containing antioxidants and other components that stimulate and regulate immune function.

See, in this other article, how to improve your dog’s immunity and ensure that its health remains up to date.

Conclusion

Kennel cough, a common respiratory infection in dogs, can lead to mild symptoms such as coughing and nasal discharge. Vaccination and good hygiene practices help prevent its spread among pets. While rare, it can potentially infect humans, especially those with weakened immune systems. Early veterinary care ensures prompt treatment and recovery for affected pets.