Featured News 2013 What is Bordetella?

What is Bordetella?

Bordetella is a dangerous illness that may put your pooch in jeopardy if it is not treated promptly upon discovery. Formally called bordetella bronchiseptica, the illness is an easily contracted bacteria that causes a pet to develop a hacking cough. Sometimes, dogs with bordetella will also develop a stuffy or runny nose. Any pet can get this disease, and usually all that is needed to treat the illness is a round of antibiotics. In fact, many cases of bordatella are so mild that they require no treatment at all.

It is best to vaccinate your pet for Bordetella early on so that he or she will not run the risk of getting the disease. While many cases of the illness are mild, there have been times in the past when the bacterium will develop into a serious condition. Normally, bordetella can develop into a more serious respiratory disease. It can also infect cats, rabbits and humans in some cases. It is one of the causes of infectious tracheobronchitis which is commonly referred to as "kennel cough."

The illness is highly contagious, so if you have several pets place the infected one in isolation. If you have one dog that has bordetella, then you need to make sure to treat that dog and keep it safely away from others because the illness can be transmitted through the air or through direct contact. Also, keep cats and other furry pets away from your dog, since the disease can spread to them as well.

Healthy adult dogs normally recover from bordetella quickly, but puppies and dogs with poor health can become very ill after contracting bordetella. Sometimes the illness can lead to pneumonia and become deadly. If your pet has kennel cough, then you will normally see the signs within two to 14 days of exposure. True to its name, this illness is commonly contracted after a pup has been at the kennel or around many other dogs. You dog will probably carry the illness for between 10 and 14 days.

If your pet has bordetella, you will detect a hacking, gagging cough. As well, the pet may develop a fever or become lethargic. Sometimes the animal will also develop a nasally discharge. In mild cases, you can take your animal to the vet and ask for assistance and medication. Your vet may also prescribe precautionary antibiotics to prevent a secondary infection. Chances are that you will need to administer cough suppressants and inhalant medications to help your pup breathe.

As well, it is best to avoid using a collar on your dog while they are suffering from this illness as their trachea is inflamed and the collar will be uncomfortable. If you are going to walk your dog with bordetella, then use a harness if possible. Using a collar will probably induce another coughing fit so it is best to avoid this.

You can prevent kennel cough by reducing the risk of infection that your pets are exposed to. When pets are placed in cramped quarters with many animals, this is when they are most susceptible to bordetella. It is best to get your dog the bordetella vaccination, especially if he or she is frequently placed in kennels or taken to a groomer's. As well, it is helpful to give your bet the C. Bronchiseptica vaccination even through it is not required for all animals. This is an intranasal vaccine that can help your dog to avoid suffering from a cough that is caused by bordetella. Talk to a local vet today if you want more information about this pet cough and need assistance.

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