For those who keep many dogs together, bronchitis or colds are another disease that should not be overlooked because this disease is a common contagious disease in dogs. Although the symptoms are not severe, it can affect the dog's health in normal life, including causing complications that are life-threatening.
The most obvious symptoms of dogs with bronchitis are frequent dry coughing and very frequent coughing. They will feel as if something is stuck in their throat and are trying to vomit. This disease often occurs in places where many dogs are together, such as dog breeding centers, animal hospitals, dog shelters, etc. It can also occur frequently in puppies that do not yet have a good immune system.
Symptoms of bronchitis
In cases where the dog has only mild symptoms, the symptoms that will be found are dry cough. But if the dog does not receive treatment, the next stage of the symptoms will be severe coughing, with a runny nose and tears. The dog will show symptoms as if there is something stuck in the throat and will try to vomit but nothing will come out. The coughing will also become more frequent and longer.
Severity of disease
Dogs usually do not die from bronchitis, but they will die from other complications that come from their reduced immunity, such as pneumonia, distemper, etc. In severe cases, it can lead to difficulty breathing and death.
Causes of bronchitis
There are many types of germs that cause bronchitis. It can be caused by a combination of several types of viruses and bacteria, or it can be caused by the same type of infection. The germs enter the dog's body through the air when the dog breathes in the germs from an infected dog. Therefore, if any dog is infected, it should be separated from the others immediately to prevent the spread of the disease.
Treatment of bronchitis
The treatment period for general bronchitis is about 2 weeks because there are many types of germs that cause the disease. If the disease is caused by bacteria, the treatment will be effective only if the dog is given antibiotics. But if it is caused by a virus, there is currently no effective treatment. The symptoms must be treated until the dog's immune system is high enough to eliminate the virus on its own. However, the veterinarian may give cough suppressants to reduce irritation in the throat to make the dog feel more comfortable.
Disease prevention
For those who keep many dogs together, they should be vaccinated against diseases, keep their cages or living spaces clean, wash their living spaces frequently, and use effective disinfectants to destroy viruses and bacteria. If any dogs are sick with this disease, they should be separated from the group immediately.
Bronchitis is a contagious disease in dogs that we can prevent by vaccinating at least once a year. And for the good health of our beloved dogs, don't forget to bring them to the veterinarian for a health check-up and vaccination every year.
References
Dr. Oraya Prapanphon (Dr. Nun), Talingchan Animal Hospital
Richard Nelson C.Guillermo Couto,Small Animal Internal Medicine 5th
Edition,infectious disease: respiratory tract, 1203-1206
English