Almost every owner wants to see his Poodle obey commands and perform various tricks to please almost everybody. These commands could be as simple as basic obedience or as complicated as an owner wants it to be. Some are even trained to make sounds that seem to sound like crying or coughing. With training, yes, dogs can do those things. Have you heard your Poodle coughing without you training him to do that? Then perhaps it is not a trick anymore. It could be an early sign of kennel cough.

Kennel cough is a highly contagious disease affecting dogs especially the one that is boarded, shown or the one that comes onto contact with stray dogs or other dogs affected with this illness. Also called tracheobronchitis, canine infectious tracheobronchitis, Bordetellosis or Bordetella, kennel cough is characterized by inflammation of the upper respiratory system. Coarse, dry, hacking cough is present about three to seven days after the dog is initially infected. Retching and watery nasal discharge may also be present. In mild cases, affected dogs continue to eat and do his usual thing but in more severe cases, lethargy, fever, loss of appetite and pneumonia exist. Sadly, kennel cough may result to death if not treated properly.

Diagnosis of the disease is based on the symptoms and history of recent exposure to other dogs. Minor cases of kennel cough usually lasts seven to ten days. Medication may not be needed since most cases go away on their own. In some cases, especially if the cough is not productive, cough suppressants are used to reduce the severity and frequency of the cough. In severe cases wherein the animal is not eating, running a fever or showing signs of pneumonia, antibiotics are used. Yes, kennel cough can go away on its own but this doesn't mean that you will never do something to treat this. Severe cases may lead to pneumonia which could become life threatening if not treated properly.

As much as there are ways to treat this disease, there are also a number of ways to prevent your dog from being infected. Vaccination is the most common measure used in the prevention of kennel cough. Dogs that are boarded, appear in shows and field trials and dogs that come into contact with other dogs have high needs for vaccination for they are at high risk of acquiring kennel cough.

Kennel cough is a highly contagious disease that affects dogs regardless of breed, age and sex. It can affect dogs from anywhere around the globe. But if you do something to prevent this, you can be sure that your dog will never have to suffer the torment this disease brings.