What is Kennel Cough?

Quck answer

Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease that affects dogs. It is caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria and is most commonly spread in areas where large numbers of dogs congregate, such as boarding kennels, dog shows, and dog parks. Symptoms include a persistent cough, runny nose, and fever. While kennel cough can be serious in some cases, most dogs recover on their own within a few weeks. Vaccines are available to help prevent kennel cough, but they are not 100% effective and do not protect against all strains of the disease.

Pets

Kennel cough is a respiratory infection that spreads quickly among dogs living in close quarters, such as kennels, grooming facilities, and pet stores. It is caused primarily by the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine adenoviruses Type 1 and 2. These infectious particles are airborne and can be spread through coughing, sneezing, or inhaling. Once inside a dog’s respiratory tract, the bacteria irritate the mucociliary escalator, which can cause a hacking cough. Although a dog with kennel cough may have a diminished appetite and run a low fever, it usually recovers in a couple of weeks.

Kennel Cough Treatment

The best way to prevent kennel cough is to vaccinate your dog against it with the bordetella vaccine. If your dog does get kennel cough, it generally takes a week to 10 days for symptoms to show. To ease the recovery period, your veterinarian can prescribe antibiotics and cough suppressants. Although most dogs with kennel cough act normally, young puppies and older dogs with previous health problems should get a checkup to be safe. In severe cases, kennel cough can spiral into pneumonia, which demands a trip to the doctor. Symptoms of pneumonia include green or yellow nasal discharge, high fever, diminished appetite, and breathing problems.

Certain dog breeds are more susceptible to kennel cough than others. Dogs with elongated palates, such as bulldogs and pugs, have excess soft tissue at the back of their mouths that partially blocks their breathing passages, making it harder for them to cough. Puppies and older, weaker dogs are also more likely to develop the sickness. Kennel cough vaccination is available for dogs as young as two weeks old, and it can be given via injection or through their noses. However, it takes about four days for the vaccine to build an immune response, so don’t wait until the last minute before boarding your dog. Also, don’t vaccinate dogs that already have kennel cough. When choosing a boarding facility, make sure to do your homework and check out the cleanliness and credentials of the handlers. Kennel cough can also infect other species such as rabbits, guinea pigs, pigs, and cats. HIV patients or other immunocompromised individuals should be careful with bringing home pets with kennel cough.

FAQ

1. What is kennel cough?

Kennel cough, also known as infectious canine tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease that affects dogs. It is caused by a combination of bacteria and viruses, including Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine parainfluenza virus, and canine adenovirus. Dogs can contract kennel cough by inhaling airborne droplets from infected dogs or by coming into contact with contaminated surfaces.

2. What are the symptoms of kennel cough?

The symptoms of kennel cough can vary from mild to severe, but typically include a persistent cough, gagging, and retching. In some cases, dogs may also experience nasal discharge, sneezing, and fever. While most dogs recover from kennel cough within a few weeks, some may develop complications such as pneumonia or bronchitis.

3. How is kennel cough diagnosed?

Kennel cough is typically diagnosed based on the dog’s clinical signs and history of exposure to infected dogs. In some cases, a veterinarian may perform a physical exam and recommend diagnostic tests such as bloodwork or chest x-rays to rule out other respiratory diseases. A throat swab may also be taken to identify the specific bacteria or virus causing the infection.

4. How is kennel cough treated?

Mild cases of kennel cough may not require treatment and will typically resolve on their own within a few weeks. However, in more severe cases, a veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics or cough suppressants to help manage the symptoms. In addition, it is important to provide plenty of rest and ensure that the dog is well-hydrated.

5. How can kennel cough be prevented?

Kennel cough can be prevented through vaccination, which is typically given as part of a dog’s regular wellness care. In addition, it is important to practice good hygiene and avoid exposing dogs to other dogs who may be sick. This includes avoiding crowded areas such as dog parks or boarding facilities, and ensuring that all surfaces and equipment are properly cleaned and disinfected.