Parainfluenza is a dangerous respiratory disease that is contagious in dogs. Bordetella is an important cause of kennel cough in dogs. Both these diseases can cause fatal complications in dogs if left untreated.  

What is Parainfluenza in Dogs? 

Definition: Parainfluenza is a virus that resembles influenza in terms of symptoms. It is a readily transmissible infection in dogs and is associated with canine distemper. 

Symptoms: The prime symptom of parainfluenza virus in dogs is a cough which can be both dry or wet cough. If severe, it might include blood. Dogs with parainfluenza are likely to have fever and loss of appetite. Nasal discharge is another symptom of the condition. Occasionally dogs may be completely asymptomatic and hence remain an isolated carrier of the disease.  

Transmission: Parainfluenza spreads via respiratory droplets. Contact with the infected dog is likely to spread the infection to other dogs. This is the reason why parainfluenza is fast to spread in kennels and shelters. It can also affect the felines. Parainfluenza in dogs is unlikely to transmit to humans.  

Treatment: Generally, hospitalization is not needed in parainfluenza cases. Severe cough and breathing issues are catered to with cough syrups. Antibiotics are pushed in cases of secondary infections. Isolation of the affected dog is important to control the spread of the disease to healthy animals. It takes a few weeks for the infection to settle down.  

Prevention: Core vaccines like distemper and parvo are combined with the parainfluenza vaccine to prevent the conditions. The effect of the vaccine is for a year and booster doses are given annually to accentuate immunity.  

What is Bordetella in Dogs? 

Definition: Bordetellosis is a common respiratory infection in dogs that is referred to as kennel cough. It is the cause of infective tracheobronchitis in dogs.  

Symptoms: Symptoms of kennel cough include harsh cough and gagging. The cough might be dry and persistent. Harsh cough is a key feature as the dogs struggle to clear up their airways. Dogs also have a watery runny nose when infected with Bordetella. The affected animals might be asymptomatic in some instances. 

Transmission: Transmission of Bordetella is through respiratory droplets. 

Treatment: Veterinarians generally prescribe antibiotics to resolve Bordetellosis. Since this is a bacterial infection, cough syrups are avoided as they tend to aggravate the infection. Rest is encouraged as exercise can precipitate the cough. 

Prevention: Isolation of the infected dog is important to prevent bordetellosis from spreading. The most effective prevention method however is the Bordetella vaccine followed by yearly booster shots.  

Difference between Parainfluenza in dogs and Bordetella 

Definition

Parainfluenza is a readily transmissible infection in dogs and is associated with canine distemper. Bordetellosis is a common respiratory infection in dogs that is referred to as kennel cough. It is the cause of infective tracheobronchitis in dogs.  

Symptoms

 Symptoms of parainfluenza virus in dogs include dry or productive cough, fever, loss of appetite, and nasal discharge. It can be an asymptomatic infection as well. Symptoms of bordetellosis or kennel cough include harsh cough, gagging, and a runny nose. The affected animals might be asymptomatic too.  

Transmission

 Transmission of both conditions is through respiratory droplets and close contact with the infected animal.  

Treatment

 Severe cough and breathing issues in parainfluenza are dealt with cough syrups. Antibiotics are given in cases of secondary infection like pneumonia. Veterinarians generally prescribe antibiotics to resolve Bordetellosis. Since this is a bacterial infection, cough syrups are avoided as they tend to aggravate the infection. Rest is encouraged as exercise can precipitate the cough.   

Prevention

Vaccines are given as prophylaxis in both infections.  

Table of differences between parainfluenza in dogs and Bordetella

FAQS

Is parainfluenza a Bordetella? 

No. Parainfluenza is a virus whereas Bordetella is a bacterium. 

Is parainfluenza the same as kennel cough in dogs? 

Parainfluenza is a part of infections that can lead to kennel cough in dogs.  

What is another word for parainfluenza in dogs? 

Canine influenza or greyhound disease.  

What is the difference between Bordetella and canine influenza? 

Bordetella is a bacterial infection. Canine influenza is caused by influenza viruses. 

What else can Bordetella be called? 

Bordetella is also called tracheobronchitis or canine cough (in dogs).   

What else is the Bordetella vaccine called? 

Canine distemper vaccination.

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