One of the MOST Common Canine Diseases - What You Should Know

Dogs can't speak. When something Is wrong, they can't tell us what it is. It's up to us to try to figure out what's going on from the dog's symptoms-and these symptoms can frequently belong to more than one disease. One of the most common diseases in dogs is called kennel cough, and it's important to know the signs.

A symptom of coughing can be associated with a lot of different conditions. In many cases, pet owners think their dog has something stuck in his throat, or "has a cold." The cough associated with acute infectious tracheobronchitis, (ITB) or kennel cough , is a high-pitched, honk-like cough, sometimes followed by retching. (That is when the cough is productive, or causes something to "come up." Dogs don't cough up and spit like we do- they either retch or cough then swallow).

So what is kennel cough?

Kennel cough is a highly contagious inflammation of the trachea (windpipe) and bronchial tree caused by a contagious virus (adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, canine distemper virus) or bacterium (Bordetella bronchiseptica).

The disease is associated most often with dogs housed in a high-density population or boarding kennel. The infectious agents can be transmitted through the air or by contact with contaminated surfaces. Puppies and younger dogs are at greatest risk, but even old dogs can acquire kennel cough.

The incubation period from the time the dog first contracts the infection to the time that symptoms develop is typically between 3 to 10 days, and the symptoms can last for days to weeks. A mild to moderate cough without other symptoms is usually self-limiting; however, occasional cases become lingering and cause chronic bronchitis.

The cough can linger for days. In a worst-case scenario, the infection can turn in to pneumonia.

This is a very common reason dogs come in to emergency clinics and vet clinics around the country. The average cost for these visits and treatment is anywhere from $100 to $450 depending on what the individual dog needs.

When something is wrong, we want the very best for our pets. It's important to treat kennel cough as soon as you know your dog is infected, both to reduce their discomfort and to prevent pneumonia. That's why I urge pet parents to stay alert of their pets. The need for a vet visit can appear quickly, and you want to be prepared. To help with the rising cost of pet healthcare, many pet parents are considering pet insurance.

By the way - there is nothing you can really do to prevent a reaction like kennel cough. Just make sure your dog if vaccinated if he/she is boarded or in common contact with other dogs. Scope out any potential new kennel, doggy daycare, and boarding facility for the sounds of sick dogs. Remember that kennel cough is sort of like your dog's version of the "common cold" and can happen despite your best efforts.

Insurance for your pet is more affordable than you think. Plans from VPI Pet Insurance can start at as little as $1 a day and they cover the everyday emergencies we mentioned above.  I just checked the VPI website to determine how much pet insurance would cover for a problem like this and coverage ranges from  $255 to $510 dollars for kennel cough depending on the plan. At the end of the day (or year), getting pet insurance for your pet can really help you save on costly pet health care, Take a moment to get a quote today.

VPI Pet Insurance is America's #1 trusted choice for pet insurance and VPI is recommended by 4 out of 5 veterinarians. The plans are flexible to fit your needs and you can use any vet, anywhere in the world. Get a quote today and see for yourself why 84% of VPI customers are recommending VPI to their friends.