You are packing for your vacation, and everything seems to be in place. You have decided that it is best for your pooch to stay at a local kennel, instead of making the long journey with you. You've packed his bedding and his favorite toys along for his trip. You have figured out everything except whether or not he is up to date on his vaccinations. Besides, he can't possibly get sick while you are gone, right? Unfortunately, kennel cough is a pretty common bug that your pet may bring home.

There are a number of factors that can cause the upper respiratory infection known as kennel cough; and, normally the problem is caused by a combination of bacterial or viral factors. The most common bacterial infection that leads to kennel cough is caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica. Viral causes include canine respiratory coronvirus, canine distemper, and canine parainfluenza among others. There are also environmental factors that promote the cough. Cold temperatures, crowded places, poorly ventilated air, stress, and dust or cigarette smoke contact can all advance in the illness.

The infection is extremely similar to a human chest cold. Your pooch may exhibit symptoms such as sneezing, coughing (very dry), snorting, or any attempt to scratch or rid the throat of an irritant, especially during exercise. Sometimes, but not always, a fever will be present. The cough is extremely contagious, causing it to spread through crowded areas like wildfire. Kennels are not the only place where you pooch can pick up the illness (although that is where the name is derived); pet stores, veterinarian's offices, and dog parks are all potential antagonists to your pet's health. The sickness is spread mainly through the air, direct contact, and contact with infected surfaces. Unless the cough is accompanied by another illness, such as canine distemper, then it is easily treatable; it often will go away on its own after several days. An antibiotic may be prescribed to treat the bacterial infection, while a cough suppressant is given to help your pooch deal with the itchy cough.

There are vaccinations available that can keep your pooch healthy, while protecting against distemper, parainfluenza, and Adenovirus all at the same time. Most of the vaccinations must be boosted annually. You should start your dog on the vaccination as early as possible, because you never know when he may come in contact with the viruses or bacteria. If your dog has not been vaccinated and you plan on leaving him at a kennel, then try to get him to the vet a week before your departure. A vaccination that enters through your pet's nose takes four days to become effective.

Before you ever choose which kennel to leave your dog, check their policies. A good kennel will require kennel cough and other updated vaccinations before they will admit any animal occupants. Check out the facility before you leave your pup. Although kennel cough isn't a super serious illness, it is always a good idea to see how clean the dog areas are. Also, find out how often they clean the equipment, such as toys, food and water dishes, etc. All surfaces should be thoroughly disinfected after each occupant so that all bacterium is removed. It can take up to three days after exposure before your pet exhibits any symptoms. If your pet picks up the cough at a kennel, then don't fret. Make a trip to see your veterinarian, so your vet can rule out any other possible causes. Never vaccinate a dog that is already showing signs of kennel cough; instead, treat the cough and consider the vaccine after the cough is completely treated. Kennel cough is not a dire sickness, but it should be treated in a timely manner. Since the illness is highly contagious, it is not uncommon for your pet to pick it up when he is in a public place. If you are leaving your pet at a kennel, then check the kennel's vaccination policies. A good kennel will require that the owners show proof of their pooch's vaccinations. If your pet hasn't been vaccinated and you are planning a trip, try to take him to the vet at least four day prior to your departure to get him the vaccination he deserves.

This article was provided by pet-super-store.com a website featuring pet carriers & dog doors.