Shih Tzu Belle, age two, began coughing a few days after her grooming appointment. Her owners were initially unconcerned, but soon the occasional cough turned into something more serious, and she began sneezing and developing a runny nose.
She was definitely sick. Soon after, several additional dogs that had gone to the groomer started coughing as well.
Belle’s pet parents took her to the veterinarian. She was examined by the vet, who also listened to her lungs and looked at her throat. Belle coughed violently when she put a small amount of pressure on her windpipe. The veterinarian then drew blood and took swab samples from her throat and nose. In order to reduce the symptoms while they awaited a diagnosis, she then prescribed medication.
— Tiffany Santos works at Winter Haven’s Orchid Springs Animal Hospital. She can be reached at postmaster@osahvets. com.
Another way we prevent the spread of germs is by changing the air conditioning filters on a regular basis and maintaining a spotless workspace with the appropriate tools and supplies.
When using the drying cage, most groomers who are neat and practice good hygiene will spray disinfectant. Additionally, they will daily replace and clean the dryer filters. These procedures will prevent those germs from entering your pet’s nose. Additionally, they will wash their hands after petting any dog or after grooming your pet. I keep several bottles of hand sanitizing gel near my workspace to ensure that I keep it clean at all times. Additionally, I dress in a groomer’s uniform apron made of a unique nonporous material that dries quickly, making it simple for me to spritz myself with disinfectant in between dogs.
Call your groomer and let them know if your pet starts coughing three to five days after being groomed. Visit the vet with your pet, and have patience with the groomers because they work hard to keep your pet healthy.
This contagious upper respiratory infection alerts you that the bacteria and viruses that cause canine coughing thrive in kennels and other environments where dogs are kept in close quarters, including dog parks, shelters, grooming parlors, and veterinary offices. Like the flu, it spreads through contact with any contaminated surfaces as well as through airborne droplets produced by sneezing and coughing. They primarily come into contact with the holding cages (especially the front door), the floor, the communal water bowls, and the grooming table and equipment at the grooming salon. The dryers and the groomers themselves are the two main sources of kennel cough transmission that pet owners overlook.
How is kennel cough treated?
Depending on the severity of the disease, treatment typically focuses on managing symptoms, such as using cough suppressants (for an ineffective cough), antipyretics (fever-reducers), fluid therapy, and/or appetite stimulants. Do not be surprised if your veterinarian does not recommend antibiotics because they are only effective when a bacterium, not a virus, is to blame for the disease.
Never administer to your pet human-use medications unless your veterinarian instructs you to do so. Many human medications may contain components that are toxic to our pets and can be fatal.
Is kennel cough contagious?
Kennel cough can be highly contagious. Similar to how quickly a human common cold can spread throughout your office, canine cough can also spread among dog populations. In addition, although it is uncommon, Bordetella infection in dogs has been linked to a condition called “whooping cough-like syndrome” in cats and humans. It’s crucial to keep sick dogs away from other household pets, young children, and people with compromised immune systems, just in case.
FAQ
Why is my dog coughing after grooming?
After a trip to the dog park, the groomer, or boarding, upper airway coughs in pets are more prevalent. Bordetella (kennel cough), an upper airway virus, or bacteria are a few typical causes of cough. In a healthy pet, these conditions are typically transient, and all they require is some supportive care.
Can dogs get sick from groomers?
An acute deep skin infection known as post-grooming furunculosis typically affects dogs’ backs (where grooming supplies are frequently used). The organism that causes the infection is frequently Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is linked to aquatic environments.
Where did my dog get kennel cough?
Canine infectious tracheobronchitis, also known as kennel cough, is a seriously contagious respiratory condition. Kennel cough is frequently contracted by dogs in settings with large concentrations of canines, including boarding and daycare facilities, dog parks, training groups, and dog shows.
Can dogs get kennel cough without going anywhere?
Numerous infectious agents, both viral and bacterial, can cause kennel cough. The disease is airborne and highly contagious. Although it frequently occurs in kennels, it can happen anywhere.