Infectious tracheobronchitis, commonly known as kennel cough, is a serious virus that afflicts dogs of any age, size or breed. The virus is extremely infectious and contagious. A dog that has been exposed to kennel cough will require immediate veterinary attention because the affliction has the capacity to exacerbate very quickly and poses a threat to any other dog your dog comes in contact with. Dogs who have come in contact must be quarantined with the utmost urgency, and strict isolation requirements must be executed at once.
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10-Day Period
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Homeless dogs infected with kennel cough are often euthanized. The general isolation time required for dogs afflicted with kennel cough is at least 10 days. The animal must be confined to an area free of humans (beyond the caretakers) and especially other dogs or animals that are susceptible to contracting the disease. When properly treated, the dog's wheezing cough should begin to subside within 10 to 14 days. However, once the animal has recovered there is slight possibility it may still shed the virus for several weeks. Dogs must be medically treated while in isolation and should not be released until the coughing has fully ceased.
Treatment
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Regular vaccinations may prevent kennel cough. Canines in isolation for kennel cough need to be treated by a veterinarian with antibiotics. Unlike human influenza in people, rest and fluids are not enough to help an animal overcome this affliction. This strain of virus requires immediate veterinary attention and prescribed medications to alleviate the symptoms and break down the virus. Vaccinating your pet against kennel cough is highly recommended, and in many cases will save the life of a dog that has come in contact with the kennel cough virus.
Cleaning of Area
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Kennel cough isolation areas must be disinfected. The isolation area for the affected canine needs to be kept as sterile and clean as possible. All beds, bowls, toys, or blankets must be thoroughly cleansed regularly with stringent chemical disinfectant products in efforts to kill any lingering bacteria that may be re-situated in the dog's immune system by means of inhalation. Once the dog has recovered, or has died of secondary infection, the contaminated items should either be thoroughly disinfected or discarded where no one will come into direct contact with them.
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