How Long Does Kennel Cough Last on Surfaces?
Kennel cough is an acute respiratory infection caused by bacteria and viruses and spread via airborne particles or direct contact with infected animals or objects contaminated with these organisms.
Kennel Cough (Kennel Coughing in British English) can cause symptoms that include dry hacking coughing, sneezing and runny nose in dogs. Infection usually lasts several weeks and spreads easily in places like boarding kennels or doggy daycare facilities where multiple dogs congregate regularly.
How to Disinfect
Kennel cough (canine infectious respiratory disease complex) affects canines through an array of bacteria and viruses that combine to wreak havoc on their lungs, inciting feverish attacks that lead to pneumonia in some dogs and then developing into coughs commonly referred to as “kennel cough.” Such viruses include canine parainfluenza and herpesvirus which allow bacteria such as Bordetella bronchiseptica spores which multiply quickly in their lungs causing symptoms similar to that of human dogs suffering kennel cough.
Kennel cough is highly contagious, spreading through direct contact, airborne droplets and contaminated objects. Most commonly it spreads when dogs come into close proximity with each other in boarding facilities, dog parks or grooming salons; infected dogs may also spread it via toys, food bowls or bedding they contact during play or grooming appointments.
When a dog coughs, sneezes or barks it releases thousands of microparticles that travel several feet before landing back onto another dog and infecting it. Coughing can also release saliva and mucus which further spread infection; those already infected may shed bacteria or viruses onto their fur or paws making them even more contagious.
An outbreak of Kennel Cough in your home can be difficult to contain. Pets affected should be quarantined until fully recovered before participating in dog activities, while all crates, toys, food bowls, bedding and crates should be disinfected as soon as possible to stop its further spread. It is also important to wash hands frequently.
Kennel cough may not be contagious to humans, but the bacteria and viruses responsible may linger on surfaces like floors and counters in high-touch areas such as homes with pets that have it. Therefore, it’s advisable for all family members to refrain from handling an affected pet until their hands have been thoroughly washed after handling him or her.
Call your veterinarian immediately for treatment options, such as cough suppressants. He/she may prescribe antibiotics to fight infection; additionally, other vets may provide other forms of care such as anti-inflammatory medication, fluid therapy and/or oxygen therapy that could improve symptoms.
Heat
Kennel cough is a highly contagious illness caused by viruses and bacteria. It spreads via airborne droplets created when an infected dog sneezes or coughs, direct contact between dogs infected with it and shared surfaces such as water bowls, toys or crates – often found at boarding facilities, groomers, doggy day cares or dog parks. Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria often responsible, thrive in high temperature/stress environments like kennels and grooming salons – providing ample infection opportunities!
Dogs can catch the virus by breathing in airborne droplets that contain bacteria spread by other infected dogs; by touching an infected one directly or sharing contaminated items like water bowls, toys, and food dishes that have become infected; maternal transmission could even occur and spread the infection further down the chain of infection.
Kennel cough varies in its severity depending on both your dog’s immune system and its environment of exposure. Healthy adult dogs generally recover quickly and can return to social environments once symptoms have subsided; puppies and senior dogs, on the other hand, may take longer and should be kept isolated until no longer contagious.
Although kennel cough isn’t contagious to humans, its bacteria and viruses may remain on surfaces for several days after contact has occurred with infected pets, making regular disinfection important. Be sure to disinfect their crate, bedding, food/water bowls/toys as well as all surfaces throughout the house such as countertops, door handles and furniture in addition to washing your hands after visiting dog parks or taking your pup to the vet.
Kennel cough can be easily eradicated through hot water. Steam cleaners that reach 212 degrees Fahrenheit kill bacteria while household bleach can effectively eliminate viruses. A combination of both techniques will produce even greater disinfection results. However, preventive vaccination may provide the most efficient means of eliminating its root causes.
Commercial Disinfectants
Kennel cough is highly contagious, making it essential to disinfect surfaces and items such as water bowls, toys, and your hands in order to minimize its spread. Your dog should also remain away from other dogs until he or she has completely recovered from his/her infection; practicing good hygiene by washing hands after handling an infected dog and keeping your vaccination records current are other effective measures you can take to help stop its spread.
Commercial disinfectants are available to effectively combat the bacteria and viruses responsible for kennel cough. They are frequently used in healthcare facilities, hospitals, schools, hotels and other public spaces in order to eliminate germs from surfaces and disinfect surfaces. Available as spray bottles, wipes or solutions; when using commercial disinfectants always follow label directions carefully as some cleaners require rinsing before being rinsed out thoroughly or may need time before they need rinsing off afterwards.
If you don’t already own commercial disinfectant, a solution can be made at home by mixing bleach and water together. This solution will kill a wide variety of bacteria and viruses including those causing kennel cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica). Be sure to use it in a well-ventilated area in order to avoid getting it into your eyes or skin.
Many people mistakenly assume that due to its name, kennel cough only affects dirty kennels or dog boarding facilities, when in fact it can spread through any large group of dogs being together; such environments include vet clinics, groomers, dog parks and pet stores. Kennel cough is easily transmitted when infected dogs cough, sneeze, or salivate; its infection may also spread via airborne droplets or direct contact with contaminated objects. Once an organism responsible for kennel cough has made contact with a dog, symptoms typically develop within three to seven days and include dry hacking cough, sneezing, nasal discharge, runny nose and lethargy. Left untreated, pneumonia may develop; most dogs recover within weeks.
Bleach Solution
Bleach solution can effectively eradicate the bacteria and viruses responsible for kennel cough. As with other disinfectants, bleach should be used on surfaces dogs come into contact with, such as floors, toys, water bowls and trays – even bedding and towels! Once used on surfaces it should be left to air dry afterwards.
Keep in mind that the virus or bacteria responsible for kennel cough can survive on porous surfaces for up to 48 hours, making it imperative to regularly clean and disinfect kennels, dog parks, daycare facilities and any other areas where dogs congregate. Disinfectants that work against this infection include bleach, alcohol and quaternary ammonium compounds.
When using bleach solutions, it is vitally important to wear protective gear like gloves and eye protection. Full-strength bleach emits toxic fumes which could pose significant threats to health if inhaled directly. To make a bleach solution mix 1 part bleach to 9 parts water in a spray bottle for safe application onto hard surfaces that do not have sensitive chemical receptors like tile floors or kennel floors.
Before applying a solution to a surface, it must be thoroughly washed with hot, clean water and soap to remove dirt or oils that have built up on it. Be sure to rinse the area well, and then allow it to air dry completely before any further cleaning steps are undertaken.
Care Biocide Plus, which has been proven effective against Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria, should also be included as part of your strategy against kennel cough.
Kennel cough can spread to other household pets, such as cats. Cats typically have stronger immune systems and may not be as susceptible to the infection; nevertheless, it’s still best to isolate your pet until he or she has fully recovered. In addition, be mindful when touching any animal until their skin has completely dried – doing this may prevent spreading infection via your hands to their face and eyes.
