If your dog has a dry non-productive cough, they could be suffering from the common and highly contagious condition called Kennel Cough. Today our Los Angeles County vets share some facts about kennel cough in dogs and to do if your dog is coughing.
What is Kennel Cough?
Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis, more commonly called kennel cough, is a respiratory disease that is a common condition in dogs. A common cause of kennel cough in dogs are the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria and canine parainfluenza virus. These illnesses attack the lining of the dog's respiratory tract and lead to inflammation and irritation of the pup's upper airway.
While this condition isn't serious for most dogs in good health, it can lead to more serious secondary infections in vulnerable pets (young puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with a weakened immune system).
The name 'kennel cough' is derived from the highly contagious nature of this condition, which causes it to spread rapidly in places where pets closely interact with each other like kennels, dog parks, and multi-dog homes. Kennel cough is spread when dogs come in contact with the droplets released through the cough of an infected dog. This can be through direct contact with the infected dog or through contact with shared items or objects that the infected droplets have landed on such as dog toys, bowls, cages or blankets.
Kennel Cough Symptoms in Dogs
The primary symptom of kennel cough is a non-productive (not bringing up any phlegm or other substance) persistent dry cough that can sound a little like a goose honk or as if your pet has something stuck in their throat. Other signs of kennel cough in dogs can include runny nose, sneezing, lack of energy, decreased appetite and mild fever.
If your dog has symptoms of kennel cough, separate them from any other dogs in the household or facility and contact your vet right away for advice.
Due to the incredibly contagious nature of the condition, if your dog is otherwise healthy, and showing mild symptoms, your vet may recommend simply isolating your pet from other dogs and allowing your pup to rest for a few days as you monitor their symptoms.
On the other hand, if your pup's symptoms are more severe your vet may recommend bringing your pet in for an examination.
Diagnosing Kennel Cough In Dogs
In order to diagnose kennel cough, your veterinarian will have to basically undertake a process of elimination. There are a number of more serious conditions that share the symptoms of kennel cough, as such your vet will examine your pet for signs of conditions such as a collapsing trachea, heartworm disease, bronchitis, asthma, cancer, heart disease and others. Coughing can also be a sign of canine distemper virus or canine influenza virus.
Based on the results of your pet's physical examination and medical history your vet will determine whether kennel cough is the likely cause of your pup's symptoms.
Treating Kennel Cough In Dogs
In otherwise healthy adult dogs kennel cough can be easy to treat, and if there are no complications or your dog has a mild case your vet may decide that no medications are required and that the best treatment for your dog is for them to rest while the infection runs its course.
If your dog is experiencing more severe symptoms your vet may prescribe antibiotics to help prevent secondary infections or cough suppressants to provide your pup with some relief from the persistent coughing.
As your dog recovers, consider switching from neck collars to body harnesses during walks (this is part of good pet care, much like ensuring timely dog vaccinations). You may also what to use a humidifier in rooms where your dog spends time, as this can help to relieve your dog's symptoms.
Most dogs recover from kennel cough within a week or two. If your pup's symptoms persist for longer a follow-up veterinary appointment is essential. In some cases, kennel cough can lead to pneumonia.
How To Protect Your Dog From Kennel Cough
If your dog regularly spends time with other dogs ask your vet about vaccinating your pet against kennel cough. While this vaccine may help to prevent kennel cough it is not a 100% prevention since kennel cough can be caused by a number of different pathogens.
The vaccine can be administered in three different ways: injection, nasal mist, and oral medication. If the kennel cough vaccine is recommended for your pet, your veterinarian will choose the most appropriate form for your dog.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding people or pets. If you are concerned about your pet's health, contact your veterinarian right away for diagnosis and treatment.