How to avoid Yorkie kennel cough

How to Avoid Yorkie Kennel Cough: A Comprehensive Guide

Yorkshire Terriers, with their charming personalities and playful spirit, are cherished companions. But like any breed, they are susceptible to health issues, one of which is kennel cough. This highly contagious respiratory infection can be quite unpleasant for your furry friend, but with proper prevention and care, you can significantly reduce the risk. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of kennel cough in Yorkies, exploring its causes, symptoms, treatment, and most importantly, how to effectively prevent this dreaded illness.

Let’s embark on this journey to safeguard your Yorkie’s health and ensure their happy, cough-free life.

What is Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough, also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is an upper respiratory infection that affects dogs. It’s caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria, with the most common being the canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2) and the canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV). While kennel cough is highly contagious, it is usually not a serious condition for healthy dogs.

However, in Yorkies and other small breeds, kennel cough can be more severe. This is because their smaller airways are more prone to being blocked by inflammation and mucus.

What are the symptoms of kennel cough in Yorkies?

The most common symptom of kennel cough is a dry, hacking cough that sounds like a goose honk. Other symptoms may include:

• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Eye discharge

If you notice any of these symptoms in your Yorkie, it’s essential to contact your veterinarian immediately. They can diagnose kennel cough and recommend the best course of treatment.

What Causes Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough is caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria, with the most common culprits being:

• Canine Adenovirus Type 2 (CAV-2): This virus is highly contagious and can survive in the environment for several weeks. It causes inflammation in the trachea and bronchi.
• Canine Parainfluenza Virus (CPIV): This virus is also highly contagious and causes inflammation of the trachea and bronchi.
• Bordetella bronchiseptica: This bacteria is commonly found in the respiratory tract of dogs and is a major contributor to kennel cough.
• Mycoplasma cynos: This bacteria is another common cause of kennel cough and can make the infection more severe.

Kennel cough is spread through the air when an infected dog coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, such as water bowls, toys, and bedding.

How to Prevent Kennel Cough in Yorkies

While preventing kennel cough entirely might be difficult, taking preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk. Here are some strategies:

• Vaccinate your Yorkie: A kennel cough vaccine is available and can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Talk to your veterinarian about the best vaccination schedule for your Yorkie.
• Avoid crowded areas: Dog parks, boarding kennels, and groomers are common places where kennel cough can spread quickly. If you must take your Yorkie to these places, ensure they are properly vaccinated and monitor them for signs of illness.
• Maintain good hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly after handling your Yorkie, especially if they have been around other dogs. Also, regularly clean and disinfect their toys, bowls, and bedding.
• Boost their immune system: A strong immune system is crucial for fighting off infections. Feed your Yorkie a balanced diet, provide them with regular exercise, and ensure they get enough rest.
• Avoid contact with sick dogs: If you know a dog is sick with kennel cough, avoid contact with your Yorkie. Even if your Yorkie is vaccinated, it’s best to err on the side of caution.

What is the treatment for kennel cough in Yorkies?

Most cases of kennel cough in Yorkies resolve on their own within a week or two. However, your veterinarian may recommend treatment to ease symptoms and speed up recovery.

Treatment options may include:

• Cough suppressants: These medications can help reduce the severity and frequency of coughing.
• Antibiotics: If the kennel cough is caused by a bacterial infection, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics.
• Humidifier: A humidifier can help to loosen mucus and make breathing easier.
• Rest: Provide your Yorkie with plenty of rest and avoid any strenuous activity.

Your veterinarian may also recommend additional supportive care, such as fluids to prevent dehydration and medications to relieve fever.

How to Tell if Kennel Cough is Serious

While most cases of kennel cough are mild, some cases can be more serious. If you notice any of the following symptoms in your Yorkie, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

• Difficulty breathing: If your Yorkie is struggling to breathe, it’s important to seek immediate veterinary care.
• High fever: A high fever can indicate a serious infection.
• Lethargy: If your Yorkie is extremely lethargic and uninterested in eating or drinking, this could be a sign of a more serious problem.
• Weight loss: A noticeable weight loss can be a sign of a serious illness.
• Discharge from the nose or eyes: If the discharge is thick, yellow, or green, it could be a sign of a bacterial infection.

When to Worry About Kennel Cough

While most cases of kennel cough are mild and resolve on their own, it’s essential to monitor your Yorkie for any signs of worsening symptoms. If your Yorkie develops any of the following, seek immediate veterinary care:

• Difficulty breathing
• High fever
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Discharge from the nose or eyes that is thick, yellow, or green

These symptoms could indicate a more severe infection or a complication from kennel cough.

How to Help Your Yorkie Recover from Kennel Cough

Once your Yorkie has been diagnosed with kennel cough, there are several things you can do to help them recover quickly.

• Provide plenty of rest: Avoid any strenuous activity, such as running or jumping. Let your Yorkie sleep as much as they need to.
• Keep them hydrated: Make sure your Yorkie has access to fresh, clean water at all times. You can also try offering them chicken broth or ice cubes to encourage them to drink.
• Feed them a bland diet: A bland diet, such as boiled chicken and rice, can be easier on their stomach and help to settle their digestive system.
• Keep them warm: A warm, comfortable environment can help to ease coughing and make your Yorkie feel better.
• Avoid smoke and irritants: Keep your Yorkie away from smoke, dust, and other irritants that can worsen their cough.

Following these tips can help your Yorkie feel more comfortable and recover more quickly.

Can Kennel Cough Be Deadly?

While kennel cough is usually not fatal, in some cases, it can lead to serious complications, especially in young, old, or immunocompromised dogs.

Complications of kennel cough can include:

• Pneumonia: This is a serious lung infection that can develop if kennel cough is not treated promptly.
• Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchi can lead to chronic coughing and difficulty breathing.
• Tracheitis: Inflammation of the trachea can lead to difficulty breathing and a harsh, barking cough.

If your Yorkie develops any of these complications, they will need immediate veterinary care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kennel Cough in Yorkies

What is the best way to prevent kennel cough in Yorkies?

The best way to prevent kennel cough in Yorkies is to vaccinate them. The kennel cough vaccine is safe and effective and can significantly reduce the risk of infection.

Can kennel cough be transmitted to humans?

Kennel cough is not contagious to humans. While humans can carry the bacteria that causes kennel cough, they cannot get sick from it.

How long is a Yorkie contagious with kennel cough?

A Yorkie is typically contagious with kennel cough for 1-2 weeks, but they can still shed the virus for up to 3 weeks. It’s important to keep your Yorkie isolated from other dogs during this time to prevent the spread of infection.

How do I know if my Yorkie has kennel cough?

The most common symptom of kennel cough is a dry, hacking cough that sounds like a goose honk. Other symptoms may include a runny nose, sneezing, loss of appetite, lethargy, and eye discharge. If you notice any of these symptoms in your Yorkie, it’s essential to contact your veterinarian immediately.

Is there a cure for kennel cough in Yorkies?

There is no specific cure for kennel cough, but there are treatments available to ease symptoms and speed up recovery. Your veterinarian may recommend cough suppressants, antibiotics, humidifiers, and rest. In most cases, kennel cough resolves on its own within a week or two.

How long does it take for kennel cough to go away in Yorkies?

Most cases of kennel cough in Yorkies resolve on their own within a week or two. However, if the infection is severe or if your Yorkie develops complications, it may take longer for them to recover.

Can I give my Yorkie over-the-counter cough medicine for kennel cough?

No, you should not give your Yorkie over-the-counter cough medicine without consulting your veterinarian. Many human cough medications are toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems.

It’s important to note that this information is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you have any concerns about your Yorkie’s health, you should always consult with your veterinarian.

Table Summarizing Key Points on Kennel Cough in Yorkies