As pet owners, we strive to keep our furry friends healthy and happy. One common respiratory infection that can disrupt your pet’s well-being is Bordetella bronchiseptica, commonly known as kennel cough. Below, we’ll explore what Bordetella is, how it spreads, symptoms to watch for, and how you can protect your pet from this contagious illness.
What is Bordetella?
Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium that causes upper respiratory infections in dogs, cats, and other animals. It is the primary cause of kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory disease. While Bordetella is most commonly associated with dogs, it can also affect cats and other animals, though it’s less common in species other than dogs.
How Does Bordetella Spread?
Bordetella is spread through airborne droplets when an infected animal coughs, sneezes, or barks. It can also be transmitted by direct contact with an infected animal or by coming into contact with contaminated surfaces, such as water bowls, bedding, or toys. This makes environments where animals are in close quarters, such as kennels, dog parks, grooming salons, and shelters, hotspots for the spread of the bacteria.
Symptoms of Bordetella Infection
The most common symptom of a Bordetella infection is a persistent, hacking cough that sounds like a honking noise. Other symptoms may include:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Watery eyes
In mild cases, your pet may continue to act normally aside from the cough. However, in more severe cases, especially in young puppies, elderly dogs, or animals with weakened immune systems, the infection can lead to pneumonia or other complications.
Diagnosing and Treating Bordetella
If your pet is showing signs of a respiratory infection, it’s important to visit your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis. Your vet may conduct a physical examination and listen to your pet’s cough. In some cases, they may recommend further testing, such as throat swabs or X-rays, to rule out other conditions.
Treatment for Bordetella usually involves supportive care. We may prescribe antibiotics to treat or prevent secondary bacterial infections, along with cough suppressants to make your pet more comfortable. In most cases, pets recover within one to two weeks with proper care.
Preventing Bordetella Infections
Prevention is key to protecting your pet from Bordetella. Here are some steps you can take:
- Vaccination: Bordetella vaccines are available and can be administered as an injection, nasal spray, or oral tablet. While the vaccine doesn’t provide 100% immunity, it significantly reduces the risk of infection and the severity of symptoms if your pet does get infected.
- Avoid High-Risk Areas: If your pet is unvaccinated or has a weakened immune system, it’s best to avoid high-risk areas like kennels, dog parks, or groomers during outbreaks.
- Good Hygiene: Regularly clean and disinfect your pet’s living area, food and water bowls, and toys to minimize the risk of infection.
Conclusion
Bordetella bronchiseptica, or kennel cough, is a common and contagious respiratory infection that can affect your pet’s health. By understanding how it spreads, recognizing the symptoms, and taking preventive measures, you can help keep your pet safe and healthy. Always consult your veterinarian about the best vaccination and prevention strategies for your pet, especially if they frequently interact with other animals.
Keeping your pet’s health a priority ensures they can continue to enjoy their days full of energy and joy, free from the discomfort of kennel cough.