Kennel cough is a term most dog owners will be familiar with, especially if one has used a boarding service for their dog. The disease is rather common, and often presents itself as a dry hacking cough, which in most cases gets contracted in places such as a shelter, dog park, or a boarding(kennel) facility. This is also where the term kennel cough originates from. Because of this, many facilities will require you to give your dog the kennel cough vaccine before boarding, which is a vaccination against Bordetella, the most common bacteria that can cause kennel cough. While in most cases, a kennel cough infection is not a very serious condition, it is highly contagious, and it’s useful to know some basic information about it. In this article, we will take a closer look at the symptoms of kennel cough, the treatment, ways of infection, and prevention.
What is Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough is a highly contagious infection to the respiratory system. Just like human colds, which can be caused by different viruses and bacteria, the same goes for kennel cough, and this disease isn’t caused by a single bug, but rather by several different viruses and bacteria. The most common bacteria that can cause kennel cough is Bordetella bronchiseptica. Other pathogens that can cause kennel cough are canine adenovirus, mycoplasma, parainfluenza virus, canine influenza virus, and canine respiratory coronavirus. Kennel cough is also called canine infectious tracheobronchtiis, and is an inflammation of the larynx and trachea.
How does a dog get infected with kennel cough?
The spreading of pathogens happens through coughing or sneezing by an infected dog. Pathogens can also transfer through contaminated objects such as toys, food bowls, or water bowls. Some factors that can make dogs more likely to contract kennel cough are:
- Being in an area that is crowded with other dogs
- Stress
- Being in a place with poor ventilation
- Cold temperatures
- Exposure to dust
- Exposure to cigarette smoke
Symptoms
Symptoms may be mild in some dogs, and more severe in others. Kennel cough can progress to more serious health problems such as pneumonia, especially in older dogs, pups, or dogs that are already immunocompromised. In many cases, however, dogs with kennel cough act completely normal besides the hacking dry cough. Symptoms of a kennel cough infection are:
- A dry hacking cough
- Persistent coughing
- Vomiting, which includes the production of white foam.
- Eye discharge
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Sensitive Trachea, coughing can be instigated by gentle pressure on the trachea)
Additional symptoms for severe cases of kennel cough and pneumonia
- Green/Yellow Discharge from the nose
- Loss of Appetite
- Fever,
- Lethargy
- Laboured breathing
Treatment
Mild cases of kennel cough often resolve on their own with supportive care through hydration, food, and rest. Keeping your dog temporarily in a bathroom while you steam a shower, or by running a humidifier, can help keep the airways moist and relieve some of the coughing. Most dogs recover from mild cases within 1 to 2 weeks, without any additional treatment. If symptoms worsen, such as the development of rapid breathing, restlessness, or not eating, or the kennel cough doesn’t resolve itself within 2 weeks, a veterinarian should be seen.
While most cases will resolve without treatment, veterinarians can prescribe cough supplements, anti inflammatories and antibiotics to speed recovery and minimize symptoms during infection.
Prevention
There are vaccinations available against kennel cough, but as the infection can be caused by different bacteria and viruses, a vaccine isn’t a 100% guarantee that your dog doesn’t get it.
There are three types of vaccines available against kennel cough which are, an injection, a nasal mist, and a vaccine fluid given by mouth. The oral and intranasal vaccine are typically given once a year, but can be recommended to be given every 6 months for dogs that are at high risk of contracting kennel cough. The pro of the nasal and oral vaccine are that protection is faster than that of the injection.
Conclusion
Kennel cough is highly contagious and often contracted in places where dogs gather. The tell-tale sign of a kennel cough infection is a dry, hacking cough. One can protect their dog by vaccination, but as kennel cough can be caused by different viruses and bacteria, a vaccine isn’t a 100% guarantee that your dog won’t get it. Kennel cough is in most cases not a serious disease, and most dogs will get better without treatment within 1 to 2 weeks. However, veterinary advice should be sought if symptoms worsen and the dog develops signs such as lethargy and laboured breathing.
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