Dec 20, 2024
Kennel cough is an illness of a dog’s respiratory system. This is a contagious respiratory infection that impacts a dog’s windpipe and voice box. It can be likened to the common cold we have in humans.
Kennel cough can be easily transmitted to dogs in environments where they usually stay, such as kennels, dog parks, and dog boarding facilities.
While kennel cough is not as severe as parvovirus, it can cause discomfort and unpleasant symptoms for your dog. It’s still important to understand the disease and know how to help your dog recover when it contacts the virus.
Causes of Kennel Cough in Dogs
Kennel cough (also known as canine infectious respiratory diseases complex or CIRDC) is a combination of bacteria and viruses that affect a dog’s respiratory system. Here are the common causes of kennel cough in dogs.
Bordetella Bronchiseptica
This bacteria inflames the airways, leading to a dry, persistent cough. It spreads quickly through coughing or sneezing and is highly contagious among dogs.
Canine Parainfluenza
This virus affects the lungs, but it doesn’t cause too much harm. However, it can make dogs more likely to get other infections because it weakens their immune system.
Canine Adenovirus
This virus triggers an inflammatory response in the respiratory tract, which manifests as a hacking cough and watery eyes. Most dogs, thankfully, do quite fine with the proper treatment.
Canine Coronavirus
The canine coronavirus affects dogs’ respiratory systems and can cause mild symptoms like coughing. It’s usually not serious on its own but can contribute to kennel cough when combined with other infections.
How Kennel Cough Spreads
Kennel cough spreads quickly in places where your dog can be in close contact with other animals. Here are some of the common ways kennel cough is transmitted.
Direct Contact
Dogs can easily transmit kennel cough through interactions, like licking, sniffing, or playing together. These activities can pass the illness from one dog directly to another.
Sneezing or Coughing
An infected dog can also transmit the disease to a healthy dog just by sneezing or coughing. The tiny droplets that will escape the infected dog’s nose or mouth are filled with kennel cough viruses or bacteria, which can be released into the air. When another dog inhales these droplets, it can easily get infected.
Shared Items
An infected dog sharing items, such as bowls, leashes, toys, grooming tools, or bedding, with other dogs can quickly spread kennel cough. The virus or bacteria can contaminate these items and can transfer to healthy dogs.
Poor Ventilation
Enclosed areas with poor ventilation can cause the kennel cough infection to spread quickly. These places can be kennels, daycares, grooming salons, or even your home if you’re caring for multiple dogs.
Symptoms of Kennel Cough in Dogs
Kennel cough vaccine can help protect your dog, but it can still contract the virus. Fortunately, the symptoms in vaccinated dogs are usually less severe compared to unvaccinated dogs.
Even with vaccination, it’s vital that you know, as a dog owner, about the symptoms of kennel cough. This can help you determine if your dog needs to be brought to the vet clinic.
Mild, Persistent Cough
A dog with kennel cough will exhibit a dry, honking cough. However, it tends to be milder and less frequent in vaccinated dogs. You might notice it more after they exercise, get excited, or pull on the leash.
Occasional Gagging
After coughing, your dog may gag or retch, almost like they are trying to clear something from their throat. This can be alarming, but it’s a common symptom of kennel cough and is usually not dangerous.
Runny Nose
A slight nasal discharge may appear, but it’s often clear and not too noticeable. Kennel cough-vaccinated dogs typically won’t show the more severe runny nose and mucus that unvaccinated dogs may experience.
Slight Fatigue
While many vaccinated dogs stay active, some may seem a little more tired than usual when they get infected by kennel cough. They might take longer naps or seem less energetic during playtime. It’s not extreme lethargy, but you may notice your dog needs more rest.
Sneezing
Some dogs may sneeze occasionally, especially in the early stages of kennel cough. It’s not constant, but it could be a sign that their body is trying to fight off the infection.
How Kennel Cough is Diagnosed in Dogs
Diagnosing kennel cough is usually straightforward for experienced veterinarians. The vets will use a combination of physical examinations and diagnostic techniques to determine the root cause of your dog’s kennel cough symptoms.
Physical Examination
Vets will first check for any clinical signs of kennel cough. During this initial exam, you must also share with your vet any symptoms you have noticed at home or outdoors. It’s also essential to share the places your dog has recently visited.
Chest X-rays
If your dog’s cough is persistent or more serious, chest X-rays may be taken to check for signs of pneumonia or other lung problems. This procedure may be recommended by the vet, especially for senior dogs or those without
Throat Swabs
Your vet may take a swab from your dog's throat to know whether the kennel cough is caused by bacteria or viruses. Knowing the root cause of the illness will help the vet determine the best treatment plans for your pet.
Depending on the severity of your dog’s condition and the outcome of the initial tests, the vet may request further tests if the kennel cough has progressed to show more serious complications.
Treatments for Kennel Cough in Dogs
Kennel cough is usually a mild illness that goes away on its own in a week or two. Still, treatments can significantly help ease your dog’s symptoms and ensure a quicker, more comfortable recovery. These are the most common treatment options for kennel cough.
Medications
Cough suppressants lessen your dog's coughing by soothing the throat. These medications relieve coughing by calming the airways.
If your dog's kennel cough is due to a bacterial infection like Bordetella bronchiseptica, your vet might suggest some antibiotics to help out. Following your vet’s instructions on these medications can help treat your dog’s kennel cough.
At-Home Care
Rest is key to helping your dog recover from kennel cough. Too much physical activity can aggravate the cough and make symptoms worse. Your dog should be given plenty of time to rest, and you should avoid walks, strenuous play, or activities that get them too excited.
Keeping your dog well-hydrated is also essential, as fluids help soothe their throat and support their recovery. Make sure they have access to fresh water at all times. To make them more comfortable, avoid smoke and strong perfumes, which can worsen kennel cough.
Preventing Kennel Cough in Dogs
Despite how easily kennel cough spreads, there are measures you can take to keep your dog healthy. Prevention is essential for dogs that regularly interact with other dogs, such as at boarding facilities, dog parks, or grooming salons.
The kennel cough vaccine is one of the best ways to protect your dog, especially if they often interact with other dogs.
Another way to prevent kennel cough is to keep your dog away from dogs that show signs of illness, such as coughing or sneezing. Avoid high-traffic dog areas like parks and grooming salons if there's a kennel cough outbreak in your community.
If you need to board your pet or take them to a daycare, choose a facility where you will check in your dog. Make sure that the facility is well-maintained and has excellent air ventilation.
When your dog is showing signs of kennel cough, keep them away from other dogs until they’ve fully recovered. This helps prevent the spreading of the infection, as kennel cough is easily transmitted between dogs through coughing, sneezing, and direct contact.
Conclusion
Kennel cough is not something you should be too worried about. It is similar to a human cough that can happen at any time. But keep in mind that any mild illness can progress into a severe disease, especially if your dog isn’t cared for properly while it recovers from kennel cough.
You can ask your veterinarian to administer a kennel cough vaccine for your dog to protect it against illness. However, this will still depend on various factors like your dog’s lifestyle and current health condition.
Lastly, remember that a healthy dog with a strong immune system will have a better chance of fending off the causes of kennel cough. Give your dog nutritious food, enough physical exercise, and a clean, well-maintained living space. This will help lower its chances of contracting kennel cough.