Bordetella in Dogs

In situations where multiple dogs live together, there is a possibility of bordetellosis, or bordetella, or more commonly known as kennel cough. Bordetella bronchiseptica is a highly contagious bacterium, and therefore a pet dog should be vaccinated against bordetella before being brought into contact with other dogs. Fortunately, bordetella is a relatively easily treatable condition. Furthermore, prevention is much easier than treatment.

Bordetellosis is the most common respiratory tract infection in dogs. Bordetella bronchoscopy is caused by the bacteria Bordetella bronchispetica. The bacteria are spread through the air when an infected dog sneezes or coughs, and from there they infect other dogs. Bordetellosis is a type of infectious tracheobronchitis and is closely related to whooping cough, caused by a different species of Bordetella known in humans as Bordetella pertussis. Because the bacteria damage the respiratory system, it also makes it easier for other viruses and bacteria to invade, which can lead to different problems such as pneumonia. Since the infection spreads easily from one dog to another, vaccination of pet dogs is recommended. If you suspect your dog has a bordetella infection, you should quarantine your dog to prevent its spread. Bordetella does not spread from dogs to humans, but because the bacteria can survive on various surfaces, it can spread indirectly from one person to another and then to another dog. Therefore, it is recommended that you regularly disinfect your hands, your dog's toys, and its food and water bowls if your dog becomes infected.

Because bacteria damage the respiratory system, it also facilitates the invasion of other viruses and bacteria, which can lead to different problems such as pneumonia. Since the infection can easily spread from one dog to another, vaccination of pet dogs is recommended. If you suspect your dog has a bordetella infection, you should quarantine your dog to prevent its spread. Bordetella does not spread from dogs to humans, but because the bacteria survive on various surfaces, it can spread indirectly from one person to another and from that person to another dog. Therefore, it is recommended that you regularly disinfect your hands, your dog's toys, and its food and water bowls in case your dog becomes infected. Cats can look extremely healthy as they age, and because they look healthy, it can be easy to overlook the fact that they are aging. Therefore, from the moment they enter the senior stage, which is generally considered to be between 11 and 14 years old, it is recommended to be careful and take additional precautions. In this article, you can find information about the prominent needs of aging cats and what should be done to meet these needs. Access to Water Should Be Made Easy With aging, the metabolic rate of cats begins to decrease. In fact, it is known that constipation and kidney diseases are more common in older cats. You can find detailed information in our article titled Kidney Failure in Cats. It is important to ensure that aging cats have easy access to water and to monitor their water intake. When they don't drink enough water, their risk of dehydration increases, and many health problems can arise as a result. Water intake in older cats can be increased by directly encouraging them to drink more water and by adding wet food to their diet as often as recommended by veterinarians. One way to increase water intake, especially for cats with joint problems, is to place water bowls in multiple areas of the house. This makes it easier for them to access water whenever they are thirsty. Considering the limited mobility of cats in old age, it is recommended that food bowls, litter boxes, and beds also be placed in easily accessible areas in addition to water bowls.

Symptoms of Bordetella in Dogs

The most common symptom of bordetella infection in dogs is coughing. Symptoms include dry and persistent coughing, runny nose, and gagging. Bordetella-related coughing is usually quite sharp and loud. As the infection spreads to the respiratory tract, the dog's lungs try to get rid of the accumulated phlegm. Your dog may also try to gag to clear its throat. However, some infected dogs may be asymptomatic. Therefore, dogs should be vaccinated before being brought into contact with other dogs.

Treatment of Bordetella in Dogs

If your dog has been coughing for a long time, you should take it to the veterinarian without delay. If the infection has spread extensively in the dog's lungs, antibiotic treatment may be applied. This is because irritating bacteria in the lungs cause the disease to worsen progressively. Coughing fits usually intensify when the dog is physically tired. Therefore, infected dogs should rest a lot and avoid physical activity until they recover.

Cough syrups intended for humans should absolutely not be given to a coughing dog. Since Bordetella is a bacterial infection, coughing actually helps the dog clear what is in its throat. Cough suppressants can prevent this and lead to the worsening of the infection. Therefore, cough suppressants do more harm than good.

When Should the Bordetella Vaccine Be Administered?

Preventing Bordetella infection is much easier than treating it. The most effective way to prevent it is vaccination. The Bordetella vaccine can be administered in three different ways. The best time for vaccination varies depending on the preferred vaccination method.

Injection is administered in two doses at intervals of 2-4 weeks. It is given when dogs are 8 weeks old. Another method of administering the Bordetella vaccine is nasal. Nasal vaccines are single doses and can be administered when the dog is 3-4 weeks old without any problems. The third method of administering the vaccine is by applying the medication orally to the gums and inside the cheeks. This application can be done from 8 weeks of age.

All three methods provide complete protection against infection. Despite this, the most preferred method is oral administration into the gums and cheeks. This is because it is relatively the easiest procedure. To maintain the protective effect of the vaccination and prevent the dog from becoming infected, a booster dose must be given every year.