Hey pet parents! If your dog has ever spent time at a boarding kennel, doggy daycare, or the groomer, you've probably heard of Kennel Cough. It's a very common and highly contagious respiratory infection in dogs. While the cough can sound awful, the good news is that it's usually not serious and resolves on its own, much like a common cold in humans.
What is Kennel Cough?
Kennel Cough, officially known as Infectious Tracheobronchitis, is an inflammation of the trachea (windpipe) and bronchial tubes. It's not caused by a single bug, but rather a mix of different viruses and bacteria that can cause a similar set of symptoms.
The most common culprits are:
- •Bordetella bronchiseptica (a bacterium): This is the most common bacterial cause, and it's the one we vaccinate against.
- •Parainfluenza virus (a virus): Also included in the kennel cough vaccine.
- •Canine adenovirus, canine distemper virus, and others.
Kennel cough spreads through the air when an infected dog coughs or sneezes, or through contact with contaminated surfaces like water bowls or toys. As the name suggests, it spreads very easily in places where lots of dogs are in close contact.
Spotting the Signs of Kennel Cough
The main sign of kennel cough is a very distinctive cough.
- •A Loud, Hacking Cough: The classic sign is a persistent, forceful, hacking cough that often sounds like the dog has something stuck in its throat. Many owners will say, "He sounds like he's trying to hack something up."
- •Gagging or Retching: The coughing fits are often followed by a gag or retch.
- •Recent Exposure: The symptoms usually appear 3-10 days after exposure to another infected dog.
In most uncomplicated cases, dogs with kennel cough will otherwise feel fine. They will still be bright, happy, and have a normal appetite.
When to be concerned: If your dog has the classic cough but also seems lethargic, has a fever, is not eating, or has difficulty breathing, it could be a sign that the infection is progressing to pneumonia. In this case, you should see your vet right away.
How Vets Diagnose Kennel Cough
The diagnosis is almost always made based on the classic clinical signs and a history of recent exposure to other dogs. If your dog has a loud, hacking cough but is otherwise acting completely normal, it's very likely to be kennel cough.
In more severe cases, or if the dog is not responding to treatment, your vet may recommend chest X-rays to check for pneumonia.
Treatment: Tincture of Time
For most mild cases of kennel cough, the treatment is simply supportive care and time. Just like a human cold, the infection needs to run its course, which usually takes 1-3 weeks.
Supportive and Home Care:
- •Rest: Limit exercise, as excitement can trigger coughing fits.
- •Use a Harness: Avoid putting any pressure on the neck and trachea.
- •Good Nutrition and Hydration: Make sure your dog is eating and drinking well.
- •Isolate Your Dog: Kennel cough is very contagious, so keep your dog away from other dogs until they have been cough-free for at least a week.
Medical Treatment:
- •Cough Suppressants: If the cough is very severe and is keeping everyone up at night, your vet may prescribe a cough suppressant.
- •Antibiotics: While kennel cough is often caused by viruses, antibiotics (like doxycycline) are often prescribed to treat the Bordetella component and to prevent secondary bacterial infections.
Prevention: The Power of Vaccination
The best way to protect your dog from kennel cough is through vaccination. The kennel cough vaccine is considered a "non-core" vaccine, but it is highly recommended for any dog that is social.
The vaccine is available in three forms:
- •Injectable
- 1Intranasal (squirted up the nose): This is often preferred as it provides immunity right at the site of infection.
- 2Oral (given in the mouth)
It's important to know that the vaccine protects against Bordetella and parainfluenza, but not against all the other viruses that can cause kennel cough. So, it's not 100% effective, but it will significantly reduce your dog's chances of getting sick, and if they do get sick, the symptoms will be much milder.
Most boarding kennels, daycares, and groomers will require proof of a current kennel cough vaccination.
While the sound of kennel cough can be alarming, rest assured that for most dogs, it's a mild, self-limiting illness that will be over in a couple of weeks.
Sources & Further Reading:
- •American Kennel Club - Kennel Cough in Dogs
- 1VCA Animal Hospitals - Kennel Cough or Tracheobronchitis in Dogs